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A recent dissertation by recent Thomas Jefferson University graduate, John Ervin, A Systems Informed Approach to the Complex Challenges of the Industrial Hemp Industry in Pennsylvania, offers a fresh perspective that could help shift the national conversation on Industrial Hemp from obstacles to solutions.


Using systems thinking tools like stakeholder mapping and interactive planning, he identifies why so many well-meaning efforts in hemp development stall out—and what we can do to change that. While centered on Pennsylvania, Ervin’s work presents lessons applicable across the United States.


Key Takeaways

Align Regulations Across Federal and State Agencies

One of the most consistent hurdles cited by stakeholders is regulatory inconsistency. With differing rules across jurisdictions, especially around testing, transport, and end-use products, farmers and businesses face unnecessary risk and confusion. Ervin recommends harmonizing state and federal guidelines to streamline entry into the fiber and grain supply chain.


Invest in Processing and Infrastructure

Lack of local decortication and processing capacity is the single largest bottleneck to growth. The dissertation calls for public-private partnerships and targeted investment to build regional processing hubs—especially in underserved rural areas where the economic impact could be most meaningful.


Build Collaboration Mechanisms, Not Just Coalitions

Rather than simply forming more working groups, Ervin advocates for structured stakeholder collaboration—bringing together farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and regulators to co-design solutions using systems tools. This kind of interactive planning helps align priorities and reduce duplication of effort.


Focus on Market Demand, Not Just Acres Planted

Ervin’s research shows that the U.S. hemp sector has historically focused on the supply side, often resulting in oversupply and missed opportunities. He stresses the need to invest in demand generation—through consumer education, brand development, and reliable end-market partnerships.


Expand Workforce Development and Equity Programs

The future of hemp manufacturing requires a trained workforce. The dissertation recommends new hemp-specific curricula at agricultural colleges and trade schools, with a focus on veterans, HBCUs, and underserved rural and urban populations.


Support Innovation Through R&D and Pilot Projects

From hemp bioplastics and insulation to phytoremediation and sustainable textiles, Ervin highlights the importance of federal and state support for applied research. Pilot programs and demonstration projects can validate these innovations and bring them to scale.


Regional Collaboration Requires More Than Just a Vision

The proposed Pennsylvania Hemp Engine aimed to unite universities, farmers, and manufacturers in a shared effort to scale industrial hemp through federal innovation funding. While it was ultimately not selected to move forward, the concept underscores a broader truth: building a regional hemp economy requires more than enthusiasm—it demands inclusive planning, clearly defined roles, and long-term commitment from all partners. As future initiatives take shape, these are the foundations that will determine success.


A Path Forward

At the National Hemp Association, we recognize that scaling the fiber and grain hemp economy requires more than good intentions—it requires systems change. That means clear regulations, coordinated infrastructure development, and inclusive collaboration.

We’re committed to advancing this vision by supporting state and federal initiatives, fostering supply chain partnerships, and advocating for smart, differentiated policy that recognizes the unique value of true industrial hemp.


Download a full copy of the dissertation here: Jefferson Digital Commons


About the Author

Dr. John Ervin, RN, BSN, MBA, CPC, is a recent graduate from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. His research focuses on strategic leadership with a focus on systems and design thinking. He is an experienced nurse executive that has led surgical services departments in local hospitals, large academic medical institutions, and ambulatory care centers. John’s leadership training began while serving in the U.S. Military as a non-commissioned officer and then as an Army Nurse Corps Officer. His success as a healthcare leader has been augmented through many benchmarking experiences including the airline industry, the Department of Homeland Security, insurance and financial services, and the medical device industries.


Updates from the Department of Agriculture

Sarah Pickel - 2025 Growing Season Update – Pennsylvania Hemp Industry

  • Eighth Season Underway: Pennsylvania’s 2025 hemp growing season is officially underway, marking the 8th consecutive year of cultivation in the Commonwealth.

  • Acreage Update: In 2024, Pennsylvania saw an increase in hemp acreage, with 421 acres planted statewide. However, the number of growing permits declined to 185, down from 215 in the previous year. The increase in acreage despite fewer permits suggests larger-scale operations are expanding, particularly for fiber varieties, which made up 76% of total hemp acreage.

  • National Feed Law Changes: Recent national changes to animal feed laws now allow the use of hemp meal in laying hen diets. It will be interesting to monitor whether this opens the door to increased hemp grain cultivation in Pennsylvania in 2025 and beyond.

  • Performance-Based Sampling: A reminder for fiber and grain growers to take advantage of performance-based sampling this season. To qualify, growers must use certified seed or select from a list of low-risk varieties available on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's website.


Mike Roth – Director on Innovation: spearheading efforts in robotics, artificial intelligence, ag-to-energy solutions, and biomaterials, reinforcing the state’s commitment to forward-thinking agricultural practices.


2025 PA Farm Show: Successfully showcased how Pennsylvania agriculture is feeding people and generating energy through sustainable practices. Universities and agtech companies presented robotics, automation, and smart farming tools, demonstrating the state’s leadership in agricultural innovation. It was a strong showing of how innovation is shaping the future of farming in Pennsylvania.


Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant Update

  • Nation’s First Ag Innovation Fund: Pennsylvania launched the first Agricultural Innovation Grant Fund in the country, with $10 million in available funding. The goal is to support projects with triple bottom line impact—advancing profitability, sustainability, and social equity.

    • Strong Interest & Diverse Applicants: Over $69 million in funding requests were submitted.

    • The applicant pool includes a diverse cross-section of Pennsylvania’s agriculture community, including some hemp-related proposals.

    • 170 applications were received through the new grant mechanism, many from first-time applicants—a promising sign of fresh energy and innovation in the sector.

    • Challenges & Priorities for PA Agriculture: Pennsylvania’s farms are generally small and diversified, making scaling difficult compared to larger ag states. This makes innovation and efficiency critical to the sustainability of PA farms.

    • Labor shortages are a real challenge, and automation is encouraged—not as job replacement, but as a support mechanism.

    • Examples of Ag Innovation & Automation: Wearable tech for livestock—“Fitbit-like” devices for cows

    • Automated runners for produce farming

    • Timeline: Grant award announcements were expected in late January, though exact timing is still uncertain.

    • Results have not yet been released as of early 2025.


Guest Presentations

Cameron McIntosh, CEO of Americhanvre, has been awarded a U.S. Army SBIR Direct to Phase II grant under the Sustainable Building Materials and Technologies Open Topic.

The project addresses military construction challenges through a bio-composite solution using hempcrete. This renewable material offers multiple benefits, including:

  • Renewable feedstock and low embodied carbon

  • Increased thermal resistance and energy efficiency

  • Mold, moisture, and pest resistance (once cured)

  • EMF shielding and fire resistance


This award highlights the growing role of hemp-based materials in sustainable infrastructure and defense-related construction innovation.


PA DECD – offers funding through the High Performance Building Program to support the construction or renovation of energy-efficient residential and commercial buildings.


Keith Harvey, CEO Founder UGP Global Energy (PA) Inc

A carbon-negative, zero-waste energy company focused on clean, renewable solutions powered by industrial hemp. The company aims to reduce environmental and carbon footprints while generating multiple high-value outputs:

  • Renewable electricity

  • Green hydrogen

  • Biofuels

  • Biochar

  • Sustainable aviation fuel

  • Carbon certificates


UGP’s model involves developing processing facilities and cultivating 25,000 acres of industrial hemp, highlighting the crop’s high carbon sequestration potential and sustainability.


Other Questions & Comments

PA Industrial Hemp Engine – did not get invited for full proposal on Phase II. Advisory Board meetings have been cancelled for the rest of this year; they did get a small grant for K-12 for education.

National Hemp Association has applied for a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCCP) grant to support the cultivation of up to 5,000 acres of hemp (grain or fiber) per year.

The initiative will focus on:

  • Farmer education and training

  • Offering growing contracts for the 2026 season

  • Implementing conservation practices

  • Establishing environmental monitoring sites to track impact and outcomes


This effort aims to scale sustainable hemp cultivation while supporting farmers and advancing climate-smart agriculture.

The PA Department of Agriculture and the PA State Conservation Commission have opened a new agriculture research grant program.

The funding opportunity is categorized as an Agricultural Conservation Research Grant. The solicitation is looking for projects that will span from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extending funding into subsequent years.


Research Topic Areas

The Department is particularly interested in funding conservation research projects related to:

Mushroom Industry Emissions

  • Identify the sources of nuisance emissions in the mushroom industry and best mitigation practices that are applicable to operations in this Commonwealth.

  • Quantify emissions from the mushroom industry and measure the impact of best practices that are deployed.

Manure Treatment Technologies (MTT)

  • Quantify the impact of MTT on water quality, including traceability of nutrients as they are processed. Additionally, provide recommendations for best available technology or best practices, or both, to improve MTT utilization.

Climate Impact of Farming

  • Quantify the impact of precision feeding and review implications for nutrient reductions

  • Design a method in which to quantify the climate impacts of agriculture operations. Additionally, the work should be able to measure the impact of best management practices implementation on a farm's climate impact.

  • Evaluate the nutrient value and traceability of food processing residuals. This should consider the movement of material from producer to applicator to farm owner.

Effectiveness of Land Remediation Practices

  • Quantify the climate benefits of best management practices installed through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program and Conservation Excellence Grant programs.

  • Quantify the ability of nontraditional biomass crops to uptake excess nutrients or contaminants, or both, like Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Application are due Friday, June 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. Questions regarding this online application process may be directed to Michael Roth, Director of Conservation and Innovation for the Department, at (717) 787-6257. The full solicitation can be viewed here on the PA government's official bulletin.

For more information, reach out to us on our Contact page.

For more information, reach out to us on our Contact page.

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© 2021 by PA Hemp Steering Committee. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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