Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to clarify that industrial hemp research programs are eligible for existing federal research dollars.
Wyden was among a bipartisan group of 12 senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.); and 37 members of the House of Representatives – including Oregon Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader — to write Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack about industrial hemp research.
“It appears that USDA has the authority to award competitive grants for the development of industrial hemp,” the members wrote in the letter. “Nevertheless, it seems the USDA has provided conflicting information regarding whether the agency is willing to exercise its authority to award existing federal grant dollars for the research of industrial hemp.”
Industrial hemp is used throughout the world in thousands of products, including paper, fabrics, lotions, canvas, rope, and construction material. Under the Agricultural Act of 2014, institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture are permitted to launch industrial hemp research pilot programs if certain conditions are met. Twenty-six states have authorized industrial hemp pilot studies or production.
However, USDA has yet to clarify whether these programs are eligible for research dollars as other research programs that focus on the industrial uses of commodities are. Some individuals seeking clarity from the USDA on this issue report being told by USDA officials that “it is not worth it to apply” for research funds, whereas a Dec. 23, 2014 internal USDA memo suggests that the USDA is supportive of industrial hemp research and may be willing to award funds for that purpose.
“Due to this lack of consistency, researchers are reluctant to apply for federal funds because of the large amount of time, effort, and cost that goes into any grant application,” the members wrote in the letter.
The members asked Secretary Vilsack:
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Senator Wyden Urges USDA To Clarify Industrial Hemp For Federal Research Grants
Author: Web Staff
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Photo Credit: Reuters/Joshua Roberts
Website: eNews Park Forest
Wyden was among a bipartisan group of 12 senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.); and 37 members of the House of Representatives – including Oregon Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader — to write Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack about industrial hemp research.
“It appears that USDA has the authority to award competitive grants for the development of industrial hemp,” the members wrote in the letter. “Nevertheless, it seems the USDA has provided conflicting information regarding whether the agency is willing to exercise its authority to award existing federal grant dollars for the research of industrial hemp.”
Industrial hemp is used throughout the world in thousands of products, including paper, fabrics, lotions, canvas, rope, and construction material. Under the Agricultural Act of 2014, institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture are permitted to launch industrial hemp research pilot programs if certain conditions are met. Twenty-six states have authorized industrial hemp pilot studies or production.
However, USDA has yet to clarify whether these programs are eligible for research dollars as other research programs that focus on the industrial uses of commodities are. Some individuals seeking clarity from the USDA on this issue report being told by USDA officials that “it is not worth it to apply” for research funds, whereas a Dec. 23, 2014 internal USDA memo suggests that the USDA is supportive of industrial hemp research and may be willing to award funds for that purpose.
“Due to this lack of consistency, researchers are reluctant to apply for federal funds because of the large amount of time, effort, and cost that goes into any grant application,” the members wrote in the letter.
The members asked Secretary Vilsack:
- Does USDA interpret current law as providing the agency with the authority to award existing and competitive federal funds for the research of industrial hemp?
- If the answer is yes, what steps is USDA taking to disseminate that information and work with interested parties in the competitive grant process?
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Senator Wyden Urges USDA To Clarify Industrial Hemp For Federal Research Grants
Author: Web Staff
Contact: None Found
Photo Credit: Reuters/Joshua Roberts
Website: eNews Park Forest
