BURLINGTON – The fifth annual Vermont Industrial Hemp Conference promises a packed agenda with nationally recognized hemp experts and entrepreneurs speaking on a range of topics from production and regulatory updates to the future of the hemp foods industry.
The conference is planned for February 23, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and will be offered virtually again this year. Registration is $50 per person and is open until noon on February 21. Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available.
The UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets are sponsoring the conference, which includes morning presentations by Chad Rosen, founder and CEO of Victory Hemp Foods in Carrollton, Kentucky, on the future of hemp foods and Reuben and Keanan Stone, hemp growers from Ontario, on their experiences growing hemp grain and fiber.
The morning agenda also includes talks on breeding new hemp grain and fiber cultivars and UVM research on economics and markets. In addition, participants will learn about current U.S. Department of Agriculture Hemp Program hemp regulations.
The afternoon program includes two separate tracks. The fiber track will feature a presentation by Guy Carpenter, Bear Fiber Inc., on developing a hemp fiber enterprise along with talks on community supported linen, UVM fiber research and hemp fiber as an alternative to plastics, cotton, lumber and cement.
The flower track will cover the challenges of scaling in the hemp cannabinoid market and how weed management measures affect resinous hemp yield, quality and cannabinoid production. Other sessions in this track will provide updates on hemp trials at UVM and CBD fertility and cover crop management research trials in North Carolina.
Conference and registration details can be found at //go.uvm.edu/2023industrialhempconference. Or contact the University of Vermont (UVM) Event Services office to register by phone at (802) 656-5665, ext. 3. To request a disability-related accommodation, contact UVM Student Accessibility Services at (802) 656-7753.
