Purdue Secures USDA Grant to Research Hemp Production

In the same week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a new regulatory framework for hemp producers across America, Purdue University said it received the first USDA grant to conduct research on hemp production.  

A team of Purdue University scientists led by professor of botany and plant pathology Kevin Gibson received a grant totaling about $1 million from the USDA to examine issues related to organic hemp production, the university announced in a release Monday. 

“There’s certainly tremendous interest and tremendous opportunities, but the reality is that this is a crop we haven’t grown on significant acreage for 70 to 80 years,” Gibson said in a statement. “The knowledge base to be successful needs to be developed.”

Developing knowledge around organic hemp farming practices is necessary because U.S. producers cannot legally use pesticides on the crop, according to the professor. Research will also be carried out to see how hemp can be used with cover crops. 

“There is a great opportunity to develop organic practices that can reduce the reliance on pesticides for all hemp growers,” said Gibson. “We also want to know how hemp might fit in rotation with other crops, how it might fit into a soil conservation system, and how cultivars and the timing of planting will affect growing success.”

The research team includes John Couture, assistant professor of entomology and forestry and natural resources; Janna Beckerman, professor of botany and plant pathology; and Ron Turco, professor and head of Purdue’s Department of Agronomy. Professor of agricultural economics Maria Marshall will study hemp supply chains and how the crop reaches consumers. Marguerite Bolt, a hemp extension specialist, is focused on communicating research results to the public. 

State officials said hemp will not be commercially grown in the state until 2020 when federal and state rules are in place. 

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