The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cornell University are putting on the first national webinar series about the hemp industry, as the crop proves to be on the rise.
The series will focus on training, education and connectivity in the hemp community through lectures from experts in the field, a news release said. These presenters come from many walks of life, including research laboratories, schools, production facilities and private industries.
“ARS solves agricultural challenges that affect all Americans," Zachary Stansell, ARS geneticist and acting hemp curator, said. "Hemp is rapidly emerging as a critical multi-use and economically significant crop, so this hemp seminar series is designed to increase the diversity, equity and inclusivity of ARS' mission while providing hemp-specific education, training and networking opportunities to historically underserved communities.”
The first event in the series took place Jan. 26, with Hemp Genetics International Director Jeff Kostuik discussing outdoor cultivation, followed by Dr. Bruce Bugbee on Feb. 9 addressing indoor cultivation.
Upcoming events include hemp processing systems with senior lecturer Dr. Heather Grab on Feb. 23; extraction chemistry/facility design with Alisia Ratliff on March 9; the endocannabinoid system with Dr. Ethan Russo on March 23; hemp food science with Hunter Friedland on April 6; hemp diversity/genetics with Dr. Daniela Vergara on April 20; and economics of hemp production with Dr. Tyler Mark on May 4.
The release said that the research team involved in the webinar is looking to create a more welcoming environment by broadening the scope of education, training and connectivity about hemp. Another goal is to enhance hemp research.
“Training and educating new scientists from many different backgrounds is critical in order to achieve the most cutting-edge solutions to an array of issues producers face — from climate change to economic viability," Vergara, a speaker and Cornell University crop specialist, said.
The webinars run from 2 to 3 p.m., and each offers an interactive question-and-answer session after a presentation lasting 30 to 40 minutes. Registration is required for the series.
