Penn State hosting hemp discussion at Lancaster Co. research farm
FILE PHOTO: Alyssa Collins with Penn State Extension shows a hemp plant that grew after the main experiment was harvested. (Photo: Rachel McDevitt/WITF)
(Harrisburg) — Penn State Extension is welcoming people to its research farm in Lancaster County next week.
It’s in response to high interest among farmers and the public when it comes to Pennsylvania’s newest legal crop–industrial hemp
Hemp was outlawed for decades because of its relationship to marijuana, though hemp does not contain enough of the psychoactive compound THC to produce a high.
Hemp can be used in a variety of ways, such as for clothing, building materials, food, and health supplements.
Penn State’s Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s Hemp Research Field Day is geared toward growers, potential growers, and those curious about the crop.
The event includes panels to address topics like state regulations, what varieties of the plant are doing well in research trials, and what equipment is best at harvesting the crop.
“It’s going to be really interesting because there’s so many new and exciting avenues and everyone there, I think, is going to be coming with some level of knowledge that they can share,” center director Alyssa Collins said.
A hemp field day at the site last year attracted 160 people.
About 100 have already signed up for this year’s event. Collins said they hope to accommodate 300.
The field day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6th from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Those interested in attending can register here.
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