Program aims to increase hemp awareness

The Hemp Promotional Grant Program recently awarded three projects $157,735 to increase hemp and hemp products awareness and increase market opportunities for growers and processors.

The program reimburses up to half of project costs that occurred between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

“Hemp is an opportunity to revolutionize the norm for everything from agricultural conservation practices to home building,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “But for the revolution to take hold and make a lasting impact, we need programs that raise awareness and educate growers, processors, and consumers alike. It’s the purpose of this grant opportunity and the projects we’ve funded.”

Urban Affairs Coalition All Together Now PA in Philadelphia County received $16,640 for agricultural hemp education and promotion events.

Team Pennsylvania in Dauphin County received $32,095 for The Pennsylvania Hemp Summit. The summit aims to increase shared knowledge and resources in the hemp industry to inspire innovative investments and create transformative partnerships.

Don Services in Lawrence County received $109,000 to fund Project PA Hemp Home, in conjunction with DON’s Hemp Test Acres Program. The program allows builders, contractors, farmers, and others to learn about hemp building materials and understand the potential economic impact of industrial hemp.