National Hemp Association Nets $19.6M USDA Grant to Study Impact of Hemp Cultivation

The National Hemp Association (NHA) last week was awarded a $19.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to monitor the impact of hemp cultivation in the Chesapeake Bay region. The grant, part of the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCCP), is designed to address critical conservation challenges such as water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat protection. 

The initiative will see hemp cultivated on 5,000 acres in the region annually and the NHA said they expect to see reduced nutrient runoff, pesticide contamination, and soil erosion along with the improved overall health of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed spans more than 64,000 square miles across six states and the District of Columbia and is one of the nation’s most vital ecosystems, supporting wildlife, local communities, and agriculture. However, the NHA notes that it faces significant challenges from pollution and agricultural runoff and by incorporating industrial hemp into regional farming, the organization aims to combat those issues while supporting healthier ecosystems.  

In a statement, Erica Stark, executive director of the National Hemp Association, called the project “an incredible opportunity to demonstrate hemp’s ability to contribute to climate-smart agriculture, help farmers adopt sustainable practices, and expand the industrial hemp industry.”  

The RCCP funding includes $1.5 billion from the USDA and $968 million from private partners, and is part of a broader effort supported by the U.S. Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.