Boost For The Hemp Clothing Industry

Soon, Vermont farmers might gain a new chance to bring potentially lucrative diversity to their operations. Governor Jim Douglas permitted a law allowing the farming of industrial hemp to pass, although he didn't sign it himself. But those who promote the vibrant, expanding business of hemp still need patience.

Because hemp and marijuana are considered the same plant in the eyes of the law, cultivation of hemp is illegal. Lawmakers believe eventual change is probable for this policy. Change in this policy will most likely be an eventuality, most lawmakers believe. Proponents insist that hemp is vital for cosmetics, garments, and even for food production. The Agriculture Agency is ready for further changes with the adoption of new legislation.

Vermont's corn production is substantially less than that of the Midwest, coming in at only 90,000 acres per year, but that doesn't mean Vermont can go without a good rotation crop. Candle making and dairy farming are two areas of commercial concern in Vermont that would profit from the growing of hemp. Right now the hemp market is small, but it is rapidly growing into the mainstream marketplace. Over the last ten years, farmers in Canada grew an average of 16,500 acres of hemp every year for use in food products. Vermont could not only pursue this market, but could also provide hemp as cheap bedding for its significant cattle industry.

Police officials cite concerns about industrial hemp's connection with marijuana as their reason for opposition to the bill. The governor states that the reason he did not sign the bill was the link between hemp and marijuana. The task of the Agriculture Agency is to write the regulations for hemp cultivation that will enable farmers to get their licenses as soon as the new law goes into effect. This state, and North Dakota, are the only two that have put this into effect. At present, Canada and many other countries are growing hemp legally. Hemp cultivation and production were banned by law in America in 1937, although it's interesting to note that exceptions were made for hemp farming for certain industries during World War 2.

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Source: http://www.articlemonk.com/Article/Boost-For-The-Hemp-Clothing-Industry/27690
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