Industrial hemp production and processing is an emerging economic engine now being primed in the Northeast. Between New York and Pennsylvania alone, some 1,000 acres and 2,000 acres, respectively, may be contract-planted this year.

That’s why New York Farm Show is partnering with Cornell University and the NYS Ag Experiment Station to host a special “Future of hemp” morning workshop. It takes place at the N.Y. State Fairground’s Arts and Home Center in Syracuse on Feb. 23, in the center’s Bistro Room.

Production and processing facets of this emerging market will be covered. The program kicks off at 10 a.m., says Larry Smart, workshop coordinator and horticulture program leader for Cornell. Here’s the schedule:

• 10 a.m.: Breeding industrial hemp cultivars by Cornell’s Larry Smart

• 10:25 a.m.: Industrial hemp fertilizer trials by Jen Gilbert-Jenkins of Morrisville State College

• 10:50 a.m.: Building an industrial hemp industry: Ontario’s experience by Reuben Stone of Valley Bio

• 11:15 a.m.: Hempcrete and other practical uses by Joy Beckerman of Hemp Ace International

• 11:40 a.m.: Q&A panel discussion

The main event
The New York Farm Show runs three days, from Feb. 22-24. It’s sponsored by American Agriculturist and the Northeast Equipment Dealers Association. For more details on this 400-plus exhibitor show and seminars/workshops on beef production and forest/woodlot production, visit newyorkfarmshow.com.

For a broader look at industrial hemp, check out American Agriculturist’s coverage of this “smoking hot” issue:

• Industrial hemp undergoes 32-state reality-check testing

• Hard realities can bust the great hemp hope

• 3 reasons to avoid hemp-mania highs

• Pennsylvania hemp production to expand

• New York State seeks industrial hemp research partners