In the spring, the PA Hemp Steering Committee hosted one of their quarterly meetings. A condensed version of the minutes is below, with the full minutes attached via Word Doc.
PA Department of Agriculture Update: Fred Strathmeyer and Sarah Pickel
The Department counted 180 permit applications submitted to date. The elimination of the April 1st application deadline has encouraged more applicants. However, farmers are reminded that these are annual permits and must be applied for each calendar year.
Applicants also took advantage of the new performance-based sampling option for fiber and grain varieties. To utilize this option, specific parameters must be met, including consecutive growing seasons of compliant hemp and certified or PDA-determined “low-risk” varieties. For details, please see the guidelines: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/hemp/Pages/Permits.aspx.
Resource Directory Update: Isabel Molineros, Student Delaware Valley University
The survey has been updated to gather fresh and more detailed information for analysis. An automation effort is underway to improve the ease of capturing and displaying the data. https://www.pa-hemp-steering-committee.org/hemp-directory
Please remember to contact us if you have an event you would like noted on the website: Email: info@pa-hemp-steering-committee.org
The PA Industrial Hemp Engine Update: Paul Hallacher
PA Hemp Engine received a grant this time last year and have been moving forward with different stakeholder communications over the last few months. Additional information can be found at https://paihe.org/
Please note you do not have to be in the PA I-81 corridor to participate.
PA Hemp Industry Council Update: Erica Stark
· Still working on the second grant to develop a "Know Hemp" campaign to raise overall public awareness, focusing on fiber, grain, and cannabinoids.
· An intern from Del Val University is working on a resource page for grant and economic development opportunities, as well as social media presence and video content.
· Monitoring national policies; a Farm Bill may not be passed this year.
· Keeping an eye on the national discussion around closing the loophole on intoxicating cannabinoids, with the primary concern being to avoid inadvertently damaging the hemp industry or penalizing hemp farmers.
· PAHIC continues to support the Industrial Hemp Act for fiber and grain.
· The FDA has approved hemp as a feed ingredient for laying hens (a PA initiative); full approval may take another year. More can be found on their website at https://www.pahic.org/
General Questions/Discussion
Where are we with CBD as a food supplement?
· CBD is legal, not a controlled substance, but putting it in food and beverage is not lawful. There is no real enforcement, which is why we see products in the marketplace. This is also why we are faced with Congress trying to pass laws to fix these things, which can cause the industry more harm than good.
What are the limitations for production of microgreens and minigreens; can restaurants produce on-site and offer in foods?
· If a restaurant qualifies for a hemp growing license they can produce and use in foods.
The Del Val Program is researching varieties that can be sold as ornamental; floral or fruity. Is there a path where we could get to a point where home hemp plants, ornamental or medicinal would be an option?
· Legislation change would be required, FDA or MMJ Act.
Is there any limitation on the sale of dry flower; cannabonsai?
· Not as long as complaint at harvest.
The full minutes can be found here: