Ledyard Farm Leading The Way In Hemp Growing & Research

LEDYARD, CT—The state's hemp pilot program was launched in May. Next month, the state's first ever legal hemp harvest will happen in Ledyard at Town Farm.

State Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt said it's an "exciting" time for the industry.

Hurlburt and Gov. Ned Lamont met at the farm owned by Amanda and Dylan Williams. Town Farm is the first hemp research farm in the state.

The Williams' will harvest hemp in October.

The hemp production pilot program permits cultivation, harvest, processing, and manufacturing of hemp plants, There are 82 hemp growers, two hemp processors and 21 hemp manufacturers currently licensed by the state as part of the program.

"This program is creating more business opportunities for the state’s agricultural industry and I'm excited about the opportunities," Lamont said during a visit to the Ledyard farm, "...one of the many small businesses that are participating in the program."

In total, there are currently 294 acres of land being used to grow hemp in Connecticut. Lamont said the program is creating more business opportunities for the state’s agricultural industry.

“Our administration is committed to efforts that will strengthen our agricultural economy and create jobs, and do so in a responsible manner by offering a competitive market to thousands of our state’s farmers,” Lamont said.

“Since we launched this hemp program, we’ve developed great partnerships with these farmers – some of whom have been in the industry for many years and are diversifying their agricultural opportunities with hemp, and other who are first-timers and have become attracted to this new and growing market," he said. "I’m excited about the opportunities this program is creating.”

The legislation, Public Act 19-3, was approved in both chambers of the General Assembly by unanimous, bipartisan votes and quickly signed into law by Governor Lamont on May 9 with the intent of enacting the program in time for the fast approaching hemp-growing season.

State Sen. Cathy Osten called the Town Farm a "family-driven" farm thanking the Williams' for "taking a leap of faith," saying the grow is "not just a simple farming (project). The research behind this, the work that they're doing is going to allow this industry to blossom and become one of the leading industries in the state of Connecticut."

Osten said that there are "over 52,000 products" that can be made from hemp and its byproducts. "This is something that will be a game-changer for agriculture," she said.

The state agriculture department is overseeing the program. Interested growers can learn more about hemp and the Connecticut project here.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer a new opportunity and market for Connecticut farmers to participate,” Hurlburt said. “There has been a lot of engagement and collaboration with partners and farmers across the state, and it’s great to celebrate the first growing season with all of the partners today.”