ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) —– “Starting small, giving it a try on maybe an acre and seeing how it works for you.”
With legislation going into effect in January, those behind Illinois’ first Hemp Summit earlier this month say the time to explore advances in the future of fiber with industrial hemp is now.
“Our goal was to allow you as growers to apply for and have the ability to grow hemp this year,” said John Sullivan, Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Jumping on board, the University of Illinois Extension Offices of Winnebago and Jo Daviess Counties hosted seminars explaining the rules and regulations, while the data is still in its infancy.
“We just really don’t know quite yet what those numbers are going to be and the situations that farmers found themselves in this particular year,” said educator Phillip Alberti.
Educators asking those interested to be patient when heading down this new path.
“So, it’s just a lot of challenges and we just don’t want people to get too excited as we’re figuring everything out,” said Alberti.
University of Illinois Extension educators plan to host seminars across the state throughout next year, in anticipation of the harvest season.
