Legislature gives final approval to O'Mara-Lupardo legislation to advance New York State's industrial hemp industry

Albany, N.Y., June 15–New York’s industrial hemp industry will continue to develop following new legislation sponsored by Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell), and given final legislative approval by the Senate yesterday, to allow for the transportation, processing, sale, and distribution of hemp grown as part of the New York’s research pilot program.

“It's great economic news that we're continuing to move forward to ensure the success of this pilot program to help New York State secure a strong position at the forefront of an industry that can diversify and strengthen our agricultural economy, generate revenue and create jobs,” said O’Mara, who serves as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  “The New York Farm Bureau, Cornell University researchers and other agricultural leaders and farm advocates recognize industrial hemp as a potentially lucrative way to provide new economic opportunities and a competitive edge for our farmers.”

Lupardo said, “The significance of this bill cannot be overstated. This marks the beginning of a new industrial crop with enormous economic potential. I am very encouraged by the interest being expressed by farmers and research institutions across New York State. Industrial hemp will benefit not only local agriculture, but has the potential for numerous manufacturing opportunities in the Southern Tier and throughout the state."

The legislation (S6960/A9310) was unanimously approved by  the Assembly on June 2nd.  The Senate passed it unanimously on Tuesday. It now goes to Governor Andrew Cuomo to be signed into law.

Research of industrial hemp by states was permitted as part of the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill.  New York’s pilot program was established following legislation sponsored by Lupardo and O’Mara later that year. Earlier this year, regulations for the program were finalized and the first licenses were issued. 

JD Farms, in Eaton, NY is operating under the license awarded to Morrisville State College and is the first private farm in the state to obtain seeds for cultivation.

“We are very excited to work with our partners at Morrisville State College on researching the viability of hemp as valuable commodity for New York State farmers,” said Dan Dolgin, co-owner of JD Farms. “The fact you can buy it in your grocery story, but can’t grow it in your fields has prevented farmers from participating in the multi-billion dollar market unfolding abroad. Thanks to the efforts of Assemblywoman Lupardo and Senator O’Mara, that is now changing here in the state.”

Both the stalk and seed from hemp can be used in the production of a variety of goods including textiles, building materials, paper, food and environmental products such as biofuels. It is a source of cannabidiol, the oil used in medical marijuana applications, and is also rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which gives it numerous health benefits to both humans and animals. According to a 2015 report, retail sales from imported hemp products were estimated at $600 million in the United States.