USDA Invests $10M In Hemp Research, Tribal Lands And Biden's Hemp Biotech Initiative
Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a comprehensive "Hemp Research Needs Roadmap," alongside a substantial $10 million investment in hemp studies through Oregon State University.The $10 million investment aims to explore hemps economic potential for Native American Tribes in the Northwestern U.S.The 19-page roadmap, shaped by stakeholder input, delineates four key areas of focus: Breeding and Genetics, Best Practices for Production, Biomanufacturing for End Uses and Transparency and Consistency.These priorities span the entire hemp supply chain, underlining their significance in advancing the industrys research endeavors.The USDA underscores the importance of leveraging insights from the broader agricultural domain to optimize hemp cultivation.By integrating knowledge from various agricultural sectors, the aim is to scale up production and deliver high-quality hemp products globally.These initiatives align with President Joe Bidens 2022 executive order prioritizing U.S. competitiveness in biotechnology and manufacturing.In addition to funding and research goals, the roadmap proposes the establishment of a public-private "hemp consortium." This collaborative platform seeks to foster partnerships, streamline research efforts, mitigate risks, and pool resources across the hemp supply chain.The roadmap stems from the 2022 National Hemp Industry Research Needs Workshop, co-hosted by USDA and Oregon State Universitys Global Hemp Innovation Center.The workshop addressed key topics such as plant breeding, sustainable production, manufacturing, economics, and compliance, aligning with the roadmaps over-arching objectives.The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida in a new Hollywood venue on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn, and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world.Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com Prices will increase very soon!