The program created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) working to develop certified seed for industrial hemp is moving forward, and one of the testing grounds is located in the Grand Valley.
Under the program, seeds produced and conditioned will be issued CDA certified seed tags through the Colorado Seed Growers Association, if plant testing reveals levels for THC are under .3%.
Wednesday after planting seed varieties in 5 locations across Colorado, CDA officials were able to harvest the first crop located in Fruita, taking samples from the top of the plants to send to a lab for THC testing.
Duane Sinning with the CDA said that the hemp industry will be beneficial for Colorado as according to the U.S. Congressional Research Committee, there are more than 25,000 uses for hemp. “How many of those will play out in Colorado, I think the economics still are in play, it’s an emerging industry and a lot will be determined in the coming years.”
Once tested, if the THC levels of the plants are under .3%, farmers can purchase the plants knowing they are within the legal limit.
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