More than $390,000 aimed at growing Pa. hemp industry

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $392,265 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, sales, and awareness in Pennsylvania.

Grant recipients, amounts and project descriptions follow:

Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council: $56,000. Funds a campaign to promote the benefits of hemp and create new markets for hemp-based products. The council is building a dynamic collaboration among farmers and other businesses, investors, government agencies, and communities to bring hemp back to Pennsylvania’s farms.

USEARCH: $20,500. U.S. Ecological Advanced Research & Conservation Hub Hemp Certificate Program for Disadvantaged Communities funds development of an educational program for disadvantaged communities including youth, veterans, and women to enable them to get involved in the hemp industry. USEARCH is a Mayfield, Lackawanna County-based nonprofit focused on researching agricultural technologies and products derived through them.

Vytal Plant Science Research: $315,765. To introduce a STEM curriculum to high schools and universities to effectively engage in industrial hemp production, management, and cultivation by promoting and marketing industrial hemp for its many uses such as food, fiber, fuel, industrial, and personal care products. Vytal is a non-profit that sponsors research at Penn State Harrisburg’s Central Pennsylvania Research and Teaching Laboratory for Biofuels.

Grant funds reimburse up to half of project costs and were awarded in a competitive process, with special consideration for projects that leverage other funding and public-private partnerships.

These matching grants are just one way Pennsylvania is feeding growth in the new hemp industry. Other support has included creating state-level Specialty Crop Block grants through the historic PA Farm Bill when federal funding for hemp was not yet available, funding key research and development at state higher ed institutions, and convening the PA Hemp Steering Committee to foster relationships among colleges and university researchers, growers, processors, investors, and insurers.

With more than $500,000 awarded since the beginning of the Shapiro Administration, the department’s grant investments in growing a vibrant hemp industry have now topped $1.5 million.

For information about hemp in Pennsylvania, visit Agriculture. pa.gov/hemp and for more on grants and initiatives to grow or start your PA agriculture business visit agriculture.pa.gov.farmbill.

Learn about managing land for wildlife

ASHLAND, Ohio — Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District is partnering with a number of local groups including Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to host A Day in the Uplands from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 19 at Avian Acres in Jeromesville. Part of a summer-long series spearheaded by Pheasants Forever, the Ashland County workshop will focus on managing private lands for pollinators and wildlife.

Workshop participants will learn how to prepare sites for grassland projects, how to install native grass and pollinator habitat and wetland and woodland basics. Other topics will include seed mixes, carriers, nurse crops, necessary equipment and cost-share opportunities for private lands. There will be a tour of new pollinator and native grass plots and crop field buffers at Avian Acres. Registration is free, but reserva- tions must be received by Aug. 11. RSVPs can be made online at www. eventbrite.com/e/day-in-the-uplands-tickets-640552649217 or by calling Ashland SWCD at 419-2817645. Avian Acres is located at 1650 State Route 89, Jeromesville. The workshop will be held rain or shine and will require traveling over never terrain. Lunch will be provided by the Ashland County Chapter of Pheasants Forever.

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