U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will visit JD Farms Monday, July 24, at 2 p.m., one of the largest industrial hemp farm in New York State, to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand crop insurance coverage for New York state industrial hemp farmers. Gillibrand will be joined by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assemblyman William McGee.
Gillibrand who previously co-sponsored the Industrial Hemp Farming Act, legislation that would declassify and remove industrial hemp from Schedule 1 and clarify the role of the Attorney General to determine whether a state law permitting the cultivation of industrial hemp is in compliance with federal THC limits and standards.
Currently, the farming of industrial hemp is legal in New York state; however, in order for farmers to receive crop insurance, they require additional clarification from the administration and for hemp to be designated a specialty crop by the USDA.
Hemp can be used in the manufacture of many products including building materials, apparel, cosmetics and automotive parts.