You can't go far these days without hearing someone talk about CBD oil and it's benefits. The exploding popularity of the hemp plant derivative and the relaxation of some laws has farmers seriously considering hemp as a crop. One Hudson Valley farm went from thinking about it to planting it.

Minard's Family Farm in Clintondale is a "U-Pick" farm. They joined with Team Hepworth and Hempire State Growers of the Hudson Valley to plant the first CBD Hemp field. They are looking at processing and distribution for 2020 and plan to offer educational tours this fall.

If you're thinking about hemp as a potential crop, the state has $10 million in grant funding available through two initiatives to advance industrial hemp research and economic development opportunities for the industrial hemp businesses. Learn more and get applications at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' website.  You can also get more info by calling (877) 249-6841 or email IndustrialHempNYS@agriculture.ny.gov.

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