New York Expands Use of Industrial Hemp
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a bill from Sen. Michelle Hinchey promoting greater use of New York-grown industrial hemp, specifically to increase its use in manufacturing and construction materials, including packaging, textiles and hempcrete.
The legislation (S8496) amends the agriculture and markets law, in relation to industrial hemp development. It instructs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, in collaboration with the Urban Development Corp., the New York State Hemp Workgroup and industry representatives, to develop a plan to expand market opportunities.
“Hemp is the material of the future, and positioning New York as a leading producer of the world’s industrial hemp supply is a winning strategy for fighting the Climate Crisis, bringing large-scale economic development to New York’s rural communities, and unlocking new revenue sources to put our farmers in a better financial position,” Sen. Hinchey said. “I’m proud that my hemp bill has been signed into law, directing our state to seek strategic collaborations to help us usher in a new era of manufacturing power, product creation, and rural economic development around an industry that is nearly untapped around the world.”
