Flooding and droughts made 2019 a difficult year for East Tennessee farmers, whose production is often at the mercy of weather conditions.
Tennessee Representative Rick Staples hopes indoor farming can offer an alternative for those who want to make a living growing food, hemp or even medical cannabis.
Staples recently hosted a town hall meeting with the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Charlie Hatcher. Both mentioned that state grants could be available next year specifically for urban farmers.
"We know for sure that farmers, especially urban farmers, can create new jobs. So, let's incentivize and encourage that job creation," Representative Staples said.
Hemp is a popular crop that is attracting people who want to grow the plant indoors, in completely climate-controlled conditions. This version of cannabis without THC can be used for CBD oil, fiber and more.
"Hemp is a big opportunity for a lot of people. There's demand for the oil. There's demand for the fiber," Dr. Hatcher said.
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