Oregon State University's Global Hemp Innovation Center will host the first-ever National Hemp Symposium February 9th and 10th. Jay Noller, Director at the Global Hemp Innovation Center, said a major objective of the symposium is getting perspectives from representatives from each of the major economic sectors from the U.S. economy.

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"What would they expect to see for hemp to be integrated into their sector? What research and development needs are required in order to get our country there?"

According to Noller, industries such as agriculture, health, energy, manufacturing, food and beverage, transportation, and even construction could by impacted by innovations in hemp production. He added research from across the world indicates that the Pacific Northwest is still the most favorable location for growing hemp.

"We continue to see, year after year, [is] that our state, including parts of Northern California and parts of Southern Washington, tends to be the most productive when it comes to the essential oil hemp production. Many fold times more productive than anywhere else."

February's National Hemp Symposium will also include various speakers as well as a hemp-themed film festival. Visit the National Hemp Symposium's Website to learn more or to register for the virtual event.

The Global Hemp Innovation Center at Oregon State University was launched in 2019, coinciding with the federal de-listing of hemp as a controlled substance. Noller said the launch was a re-assertion of OSU's role in hemp research. From the 1880's until 1936 Oregon State University, then Oregon State College, was home to a national hemp research center.

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