Hemp Innovation Center-OSU Pt 1
I’m Bob Larson. Now that industrial hemp has cleared a major hurdle for legalization, farmers across the country are exploring the possibilities. On that front, Oregon State University is establishing itself as a leader in research with the launch of the Global Hemp Innovation Center south of Portland.OSU College of Ag Sciences Dean Alan Sams says it’s the nation’s largest comprehensive hub for hemp research …
SAMS … “That’s because OSU has been conducting research on hemp for over four years. In that time, we have cultivated global partnerships in Asia and Europe and established a reputation in the scientific community for our expertise as OSU faculty are regularly asked to speak on the topic of hemp at major national and international conferences and symposium.”
So, why the announcement NOW if OSU’s been conducting research for four years?
SAMS … “OSU is able to launch this center now as a result of the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that removed hemp from the list of controlled substances. That legislation also called upon federal agencies to create a framework for hemp to become a fully legalized commodity in the future.”
Sams says it’s a statement …
SAMS … “Today, we’re putting a steak in the ground to affirm Oregon State University’s commitment to serving the public, Oregon farmers, and farmers globally with the best scientific understanding of the true opportunities that hemp has to offer.”
Listen tomorrow for more on the OSU’s Hemp Innovation Center and the research moving forward.