VSU Expects Sell-Out Crowd at its Second Annual Hemp Field Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2018
Contact: Michelle Olgers, Marketing & Communications Dept., 804-524-6964, molgers@vsu.edu
VSU TO HOST SECOND INDUSTRIAL HEMP FIELD DAY
On July 26, 2018, Virginia State University (VSU) is hosting its 2018 Industrial Hemp Field at Randolph Farm, 4415 River Rd., Ettrick, Va. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 2018 Industrial Hemp Field Day will provide a forum for potential growers, researchers, marketing experts and industrial hemp product users to discuss the future of the crop in Virginia and neighboring states. Attendees will learn about the variety of products derived from industrial hemp and the challenges and opportunities associated with cultivating it. There will also be an update on the legislation governing industrial hemp production in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Currently, it is illegal to grow hemp in Virginia.
Industrial hemp is a versatile crop that can be processed into different products with multiple uses. Its stalk can be used to produce biofuel, auto parts, paper, upholstery, fiber for cloth and other textile items, building materials, industrial products and different types of papers. Industrial hemp seeds can be used to produce animal feed and human food or serve as sources of oil for lotion and cosmetic products.
VSU began conducting field research on industrial hemp in 2016. The university is one of three higher learning institutions authorized to conduct industrial hemp research in the commonwealth. Researchers are currently evaluating industrial hemp varieties for seed, seed oil and biofuel production adaptable to Virginia’s climate. But Virginia farmers also need information on the current and potential markets of industrial hemp products before they decide to grow the crop.
The Second Industrial Hemp Field Day is being hosted by the university’s Agricultural Research Station (ARS), part of the university’s College of Agriculture. The ARS is responsible for carrying out the land-grant university’s mission of conducting scientific agriculture and food production research that will increase profitability for Virginia’s small, part-time and limited-resource farmers. Land-grant initiatives such as these help support and grow Virginia’s $91 billion agriculture and forest industry.
Registration opens May 30 at noon. The event costs $10 and includes lunch. To register, visit www.ext.vsu.edu/calendar and click on the event.
For more information, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Agricultural Research Station at lmorris@vsu.edu or (804) 524-5151 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five (5) days prior to the event.
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