REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
Merkley, Wyden Announce $10M for Oregon State University Hemp Research The award will fund research on sustainable production of hemp—a cash crop in Oregon WASHINGTON, D.C. | October 8, 2021 | Press Release O regon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and
Ron Wyden today announced that Oregon State University (OSU) will receive a $10 million federal grant for research on sustainable hemp production. The grant is part of more than $146 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in research aimed at addressing agriculture- related issues, including climate change impacts. “Hemp is already becoming a cash crop in Oregon, and
Actor Jim Belushi (right) discusses hemp with U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (left) Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn. (KATU Photo)
growth crop and am committed to continuing the work needed to get federal regulators to treat hemp fairly.” “The Global Hemp Innovation Center with its many partners is fortunate to receive this grant that will allow us to work closely with farmers, businesses, manufacturers, and rural community and American Indian tribal leaders to determine what kinds of hemp
its many different uses—from hemp hearts on a salad to fiber for a T-shirt to therapeutic CBD oil—create a lot of potential for farmers across the state,” said Merkley, who has used his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure millions of dollars for hemp research at OSU’s Global Hemp Innovation Center and other institutions.
“As I continue to push USDA to develop a fair and reasonable regulatory framework for the hemp industry, additional research is vital to inform both growers and regulators. I’m pleased that this award will support OSU’s trailblazing hemp research.”
should be grown and where processing facilities located to help expand opportunities for the hemp industry in Oregon and the rest of the West,” said Jeffrey Steiner, Associate Director Global Hemp Innovation Center at Oregon State University. “This
project builds on research that was begun two years ago with the support of Senators Merkley and Wyden to help establish the center’s efforts. Working together, we will be able to build a sound scientific and business foundation for producing healthful food and personal care products, high- performance textiles, and biobased materials.”
“These federal resources earned by Oregon State are a well- deserved investment in the university’s world-renowned hemp research that also supports farmers in Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “I’m both gratified that USDA has recognized OSU’s groundbreaking research in this
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The Business Review | October 2021
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