Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation and announced new actions to support the emerging industrial hemp industry and boost the agricultural economy in New York State. This legislation solidifies the status of industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity under New York Agriculture and Markets Law and creates an industrial hemp working group to advise the State on research and policies concerning the crop. It also creates a one-stop shop to help producers and processors better understand state and federal regulations and requirements. In addition, the Governor announced up to $10 million in grant funding will be available through two initiatives to advance industrial hemp research and economic development opportunities for industrial hemp businesses.

“By expanding industrial hemp research and development for both farms and businesses, New York is embracing our legacy of innovation to lead the way on this economic engine that will create jobs from the field to the factory,” Governor Cuomo said. “Industrial hemp is a promising commodity that, with the necessary support and resources, can provide a tremendous boost to our communities by increasing the profitability of our farms, creating new jobs in Upstate New York, and laying the groundwork for future growth.”