By Rose Krzton-Presson
Murray, KY – Senator Joey Pendleton is sponsoring an act in Kentucky's 2012 General Assembly that could bring hemp farms to the Commonwealth.
The Hopksinville Democrat is trying for the second year in a row to get approval in Frankfort for Kentucky farmers to grow industrial hemp. He says it could create over 17,000 jobs and add around $500,000,000 to the state budget.
"People talk about ethanol. You can get more ethanol per acre out of industrial hemp than you can with corn."
He says it will not only strengthen Kentucky's agricultural industry, but manufacturing, as well. He adds that industrial hemp is green Well
"It's a very environmentally-friendly product. You have to use less chemicals with it than you do other crops. Same thing on insect control. You don't have to use as much fertilizer. We're always talking about trying to save our trees. As a matter of fact paper can be made from it, is made from it."
The act will still need approval from the federal government, but Pendleton is more concerned with convincing lawmakers on the state level. He says Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture will speak in favor of it when the Assembly meets.