Growing Hemp in MA: Opportunities for Farmers & Others

*PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. This meeting has been moved to Greenfield Community College’s Stinchfield Lecture Hall due to high interest.*

The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), and CISA invite you to this workshop for farmers, local officials, and others.

Growing and refining hemp (which refers to strains of cannabis plants and products made from it used for industrial purposes, such as to make textiles, CBD oils, or other consumer products) is now legal in Massachusetts, and following the passage of new state legislation, there is new information for farmers and others on responsibilities and options.

Snacks will be provided and registration is required to attend.

This workshop will address:

• Lessons from Vermont and MA on challenges and best practices in hemp production
• A brief overview of the hemp economy
• What does MA law allow and require?
• MA regulations that apply to potential hemp farmers and product manufacturers

Presenters:

Taryn LaScola, Director of the Division of Crop and Pest Services at MDAR

Heather Darby, Extension Associate Professor at the University of Vermont