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July 1999 Vol. 8, NO.3 |
Hemp in MinnesotaThis year, Minnesota was among a number of states debating hemp during legislative sessions. While legislators here did not clear the way for planting hemp, they did direct the governor and commissioners of agriculture and trade and economic development to apply for federal permits needed to grow industrial hemp in experimental and demonstration plots. Lawmakers also directed the governor to meet with public safety officials and establish procedures for producers who want to grow hemp in experimental plots. The directives were part of the State Government Operations bill (1999 Laws, Chap. 250). Legislators also approved a $200,000 Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources project (1999 Laws, Chap. 231)that includes research on hemp production and utilization. Conducted by the University of Minnesota, the project will develop scientifically-based information on the technical, economic and environmental aspects of large-scale hemp production in Minnesota. The project will also examine the technical and economic feasibility of using agricultural residues, including hemp, to produce pulp in small mills for paper manufacturing. |
July 1999 * AURI AG INNOVATION NEWS |