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Industrial hemp market boosts economic development in rural areas

The first crops of industrial hemp have been officially harvested in Oklahoma. Botanac, an Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Production Company harvested 104 acres and the seeds are officially for sale.

Redlands Community College is ready to launch its Industrial Hemp Pilot Project. Over the next year, the college will work with farmers across the state to grow the versatile crop using indoor and outdoor sites and both irrigated and non-irrigated land.

Redlands Community College is one of two colleges partnering with farmers to launch a development program to study and grow hemp. Redlands Community College and Langston University are the first two colleges in Oklahoma to begin a new program, partnering with farmers to study and grow industrial hemp.

The roots of Oklahoma’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program are in the process of being planted. Redlands Community College is taking the reins and launching a project to help lay the program’s foundation. From the seeds to the stalk, leaves and roots; hemp is touted as a wonder crop with over 50,000 different uses.

Gov. Mary Fallin signed a new law back in April to create the Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program. Now, Redlands Community College in El Reno is launching its research related to the program. Students will work with farmers to study the crop’s viability in the state.

Oklahoma City-based Botanac has agreed to provide seeds for Redlands Community College’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program. Redlands will be working with farmers across the state to grow hemp.