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Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2005  Introduced in Congress June 22, 2005

 By John Riley

Congressman Ron Paul of Texas has introduced a bill that would remove the federal bit and reins from our Kentucky farmers so they would be able to truly exercise their "unbridled spirit"!  What will the Kentucky Congressional delegation do for Kentucky farmers? The federal government should indeed allow Kentuckians to enjoy the economic benefits of this alternative crop of nearly unlimited uses.  Note that the auto industry is a large existing market for parts made from natural hemp fiber which could be beneficial to Kentucky's well established auto industry and boost economic development opportunities in some of Kentucky's rural communities.

Hemp of course is easily grown and harvested, improves soil conditions, is an excellent rotation crop with soybeans and corn and increases yields of both, as well as reducing insecticide and herbicide use.  Kentucky is well positioned as we were once before to be a major seed supplier to other northern hemp growing states.  Products made from industrial hemp fiber will biodegrade in the landfills unlike its synthetic fiber competitors. 

It's time to give this crop serious consideration, and now Rep. Ron Paul is providing the leadership for it on the federal level.  On the state level, several states have already enacted legislation that would allow farmers to grow industrial hemp as soon as either the DEA reclassifies and makes a distinction between industrial hemp and marijuana OR congress enacts legislation to allow growing of industrial hemp.

In 2001, the Kentucky Legislature passed HB 100 which allowed Kentucky Universities to grow and study industrial hemp.  The bill was signed by then Governor Paul Patton; however, the federal DEA refused to grant a permit to allow U of K to begin growing the crop in Kentucky.  The 2006 Legislature should also pass legislation that would "unbridle" Kentucky farmers as soon as the federal roadblocks are removed and they should strongly urge the Kentucky Congressional delegation to move this issue forward in Washington.

I now have samples of the industrial hemp products produced by FlexForm Technologies who is a supplier primarily to the auto industry.  They are located in Elkhart, Indiana and currently must import hemp fiber from Canada and other countries.  Companies like FlexForm Technologies would give serious attention to locating in states that can easily supply raw material for their production needs.  Anything made from synthetic fiber (such as plastic) can be made from natural fiber.  Industrial hemp fiber happens to be one of the best. It once was and again can be a vital crop for Kentucky farmers.

Please read the text of Rep. Paul's address to Congress on the introduction of this legislation below.  Already there are 5 co-sponsors of the bill.

http://www.hempreport.com/

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