USDA Grants $5M To Tennessee 's Hemp Industry, Focus On Climate-Smart Fiber & Underserved Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently granted $5 million to support the development of the hemp industry in Tennessee.

Tennessee State University (TSU), the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee (HAT), the University of Tennessee (UT) and the Tennessee Agriculture department are working together on research and expansion of the state's hemp industry, reported the Rogersville Review. The project, “Climate-Smart Fiber Hemp: A Versatile Thread Connecting the Nation’s Underserved Farmers, Climate Change Mitigation and Novel Market Opportunities” and the nearly $5 million is from the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. 

The goal of the project is to support the market expansion of the American producers behind climate-smart commodities, treating hemp as one. It also aims to examine its greenhouse gas benefits and help small, medium and underserved producers across the state.

“Tennessee can become the leading producer of hemp in the Southeast United States,” said Frederick Cawthon, president of HAT. “We are committed to growing this industry responsibly, and we encourage all industries to examine how they can utilize this climate-smart and regenerative raw material.”

Tennessee's Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher said the department is pleased to partner with TSU, UT and HAT on this initiative. “We join them in efforts that aid in discovering new uses of industrial hemp and boost farming opportunities in rural areas,” he said. “Tennessee is eager to increase support of new and existing hemp producers through this USDA grant award.” 

Recent Cannabis & Hemp Milestones In Tennessee 

In June of last year, the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee partnered with the Department of Agriculture on a study to examine the feasibility of hemp fiber production for the automotive industry and other sectors of the economy.

In December, Tennessee regulators announced their plans to file new legislation to legalize recreational marijuana. Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville) is behind the effort alongside state Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville).

“It’s a full legalization of cannabis across the state,” Freeman said.

Campbell pointed out that Tennessee needs to stop missing out on tax revenue from cannabis sales.

“Let’s not delude ourselves that people aren’t crossing the border and getting cannabis from other states. Of course, they are,” Campbell said. “So, that’s just income we’re missing out on.”

Photo: Benzinga edit with photos by Kindel Media on Pixabay and Roberto Vivancos on Pexels