The  first annual Industrial Hemp Summit is set for Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the Conference Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Va.

The summit begins with evening networking reception on Monday, Feb. 26 with the daylong summit of industrial hemp experts set for Feb. 27. For more information, access www.industrialhempsummit.info or www.facebook.com/industrialhempsummit.

The summit is a partnership  between the Halifax County Agricultural Development Office and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. A specific focus of the summit will be building the supply chain for this emerging industry and developing markets for industrial hemp fiber and food. 

The summit will highlight current innovation in the industry, as well as explore solutions for resolving resource and infrastructure needs to move the industry forward.  The summit will explore legislative and regulatory changes that are needed to allow the hemp industry to flourish.

The United States is the world’s largest market for hemp products with estimated sales of $688 million in 2016, according to Vote Hemp market research.  Most hemp products sold in the U.S. have been imported. 

With potential changes in legislation, the U.S. hemp industry has accelerated following the inclusion of a key provision in the 2014 Farm Bill, which authorized state regulated hemp pilot programs and research. The summit seeks to serve as a catalyst to help the hemp industry grow and create jobs and economic development in rural communities.

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