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Federal agricultural funding grants are being requested for hemp growers working on changes in the US food and agricultural systems. They want for the hemp operators to apply for grants for research money to assist in developing the hemp supply chain. The program is from the US Department of Agriculture, specifically the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This agency is offering up to 150 million dollars, with individual grants that range from 1 to 10 million dollars.
According to the National Hemp Association, the request for growers to apply specifically addresses industrial hemp projects in order to examine the supply chain system. This involves the breeding, cultivation, industrial processing and market analysis. This new funding program and the drawing of attention from NIFA is vital to the hemp industry, which faces a major supply chain challenge. It means that farmers are reluctant to grow hemp if they are unsure of where the market exists. Another factor is that major corporations are not willing to take part in a pilot research program to find out if hemp is interrupting or complimenting existing products, if they are not assured that the supply will exist. The government is best equipped to determine the solution for this dilemma.
In order to confirm the potential of the hemp industry, they want to offer funding to study the varieties and also to research the processing and equipment. In a rural program, the study is focused on areas where the projects can foster economic growth and prosperity. These areas will be looked at with regard to food and feeding ingredients, the production of high value chemicals, the enrichment of local capital and attracting a supportive infrastructure. The other areas are the promotion of opportunities based on biochemicals, and ecosystem and renewable energy sources.
The result will be high value end products, which will establish domestic supply chains and enable new markets. Community workforce and development will also become benefits. The USDA\’s blueprint will include: agricultural climate adaptation, value added advancements and food and nutrition considerations.
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