Stakeholder Engagement Initiative from PAIHE

The Pennsylvania Industrial Hemp Engine (PAIHE), a National Science Foundation sponsored project, was established last year to develop a robust industrial hemp ecosystem centered in Pennsylvania’s I-81 Corridor, built upon self-sustaining collaborative research and demonstration programs addressing plant genetics, bioengineering, crop production and processing, consumer and industrial product development, manufacturing, distribution, and reclamation.

To expand and deepen stakeholder engagement, the PAIHE is now convening regular stakeholder engagement meetings. The aims of the stakeholder meetings are to:

• Inform stakeholders about the activities of the PAIHE within areas of interest

• Obtain input and direction from stakeholders about PAIHE directions and priorities

• Expand the number of stakeholders participating in the PAIHE
  

Stakeholder engagement meetings will be held regularly from 11:00 - 1:00 on Tuesdays and will be held via zoom to promote participation. Separate monthly meetings will focus on each of the primary PAIHE activity areas: Production and Processing, Consumer and Industrial Product Development, and Economic Development and Public Policy.

All meetings will be separately announced, and agendas will be provided in advance. Meetings are open to all and will be recorded. Attendance is free. To register for a meeting and obtain the zoom link, please visit paihe.org/stakeholders or send an email message to Ariel Matz at amatz@vpsresearch.org.

Celebrate National Bio-Based Products Day

Join the PA Hemp Steering Committee in celebrating the second annual National Bio-Based Products Day. Submit pictures and descriptions of bio-based products manufactured in PA via the form below to be featured on the Committee Blog!

Submission Form

National Biobased Products Day is an annual date designed to raise awareness of biobased products—how they're made, what they're made from, their many benefits, and the wide variety of products available for use at home, in the office, on the playground, at construction sites and even in landscaping.

National Biobased Products Day is a collective effort and opportunity for all of us within the bioeconomy to bring attention to the great work being done to improve sustainability, grow U.S. manufacturing, jobs and the bioeconomy, and benefit rural communities.

You can read more on the USDA BioPreferred website here.

Material Scientist Explains Hemp-reinforced Bioplastics

Listen to Bryce Peckman explain her Masters-level studies of industrial hemp as a filler in biodegradable plastic.

Many thanks to Drew Oberholtzer from Coexist Build for filming and conducting this interview, and to the PA Department of Agriculture and Department of Community and Economic Development for their support of this project. This footage was edited by Gabriella Fioravanti for publication to this website.