Grant Examines Biopesticides for Hemp Treatment

The economic importance of hemp is increasing both globally and in the United States. However, because federal laws restricted hemp growth and research until recently, commercial hemp production lacks best practices for cultivation, including effective and safe pest and disease management. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) Hemp Research Consortium is providing a $210,000 grant to Cornell University to identify biologically derived crop protection products – biopesticides – to control hemp’s major pest and disease threats. BioWorks and the University of Kentucky (UK) are participating in the research, and BioWorks is providing matching funds for a total $420,000 investment.

Companies developing crop protection products currently focus on fruit, vegetable and commodity crops such as corn and soy, rather than newer crops like hemp. This project seeks to fill that gap through a partnership between academic institutions and industry.

Researchers at Cornell, BioWorks and UK, led by Dr. Christine Smart, director of Cornell AgriTech, are determining the effectiveness of biopesticides against several hemp diseases and investigating the tolerance of hemp crops to these products. They are also studying the compatibility of biopesticides with other crop protection products used in hemp production. In addition, the team is examining how long the microbes in bioproducts remain on the plant, which is important for product application timing and post-harvest hemp microbial testing required for some hemp products.

This research will broaden our understanding of how to effectively manage the pests and diseases that undermine hemp production and inform recommendations for controlling those threats. Ultimately, growers will save money through proper use of inputs and higher crop yield, and consumers will gain wider access to safe, high-quality hemp products.

“Hemp growers are looking for information on pest and disease control, and I am enthusiastic that this project will enable improved management strategies,” said Dr. Smart.

To learn more about this grant, visit the Evaluating Biopesticides for the Treatment of Hemp page on FFAR’s website.

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About the Hemp Research Consortium

The Hemp Research Consortium is a public-private partnership created by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. The Consortium convenes stakeholders from across the agricultural spectrum to address research, market gaps and advance a sustainable hemp industry.

Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR