Dec. 01, 2016
HARRISBURG – Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) today said the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is now accepting applications for the Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program. Diamond authored Act 92 of 2016, which allows for the reintroduction of the substance in the Commonwealth.
“This is a great step forward in bringing back industrial hemp production to the economy of Pennsylvania,” said Diamond. “Research and development is always the best first step in any business and I applaud Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and the department for getting the ball rolling.”
Diamond, who has long fought for this achievement, said the economic potential for the development of industrial hemp in Pennsylvania can positively affect many industries such as foods and beverages, paper and textiles, and their feeder businesses.
The department announcement said the projects will look into the viability of the greatest uses for industrial hemp, the climate areas that can be deemed most suitable and what the favorable soil types would be. A maximum of 30 projects will be selected for the 2017 growing season.
Diamond said the application deadline for the 2017 PDA Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program is Jan. 6, 2017. Applications will be reviewed and those who are tentatively approved will be notified by Feb. 17, 2017.
Successful candidates in the competition for research projects will work with the PDA’s registered importer to purchase seed for their projects. All seeds will be shipped directly to the department and will be held for delivery to approved projects in time for spring planting.
For more information and to view application materials, visit
the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website.
Representative Russ Diamond
102nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
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