GROWING HEMP IN MAINE
Coffin, D.1; Smart, A.2; Jemison, J.31EXTENSION EDUCATOR, UMaine Extension, DOVER-FOXCROFT, ME, 04426
2Extension Pathologist, UMaine Extension, Orono, ME, 04473
3Extension Soil and Water Quality Specialist, UMaine Extension, Orono, ME, 04473
Abstract:
Hemp can be grown to produce grain, fiber, and medicinal products. Interest in growing hemp in Maine has increased significantly since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. UMaine Extension planned a one day program to address production, research, licensing, processing, marketing and financial feasibility for farmers currently growing hemp and for others interested in starting to grow hemp. 67 farmers, potential farmers, and agriculture service providers attended the program. In a post program evaluation completed by 40% of the participants, 44% plan to add hemp or value-added hemp products to their farm. Hemp production, processing, and development of value-added hemp products might be a viable option for some Maine producers, but there are a number of obstacles to overcome. Producers are tasked with finding hemp varieties that can meet the state and federal THC levels while having a high yield of CBD. There isn’t a vibrant infrastructure to support testing, processing and marketing of hemp products so individual farmers will need to be able to develop field to customer products for direct sales.