The Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center (KTRDC) and the UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (PSS) are joint participants in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Research Program.  Agronomists Patrick Perry (KTRDC), David Williams and Tom Keene (PSS) are leading the research efforts investigating agronomic parameters affecting field-scale production of industrial hemp.  Experiments are aimed at optimizing yields of grain, fiber, and cannabinoids of interest (e.g., cannabidiol; CBD).    Click on the following article for an Introduction to Industrial Hemp and Hemp Agronomy.

The University of Kentucky has been at the forefront of industrial hemp research in our state since 2014.  There have been many projects started that have taught important lessons for growing hemp in our region.  We hope to continue the current work, as well as begin new studies that will help answer more questions for companies and growers. We have some new research plans that will go into the fields and greenhouses next year, given we have the continued monetary and advisory support that is currently in place.  If you have research ideas and/or funding to help support them, please do not hesitate to contact us.

EVERYONE growing hemp in Kentucky must do so under the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's pilot program.  For more information on how to get started, follow this link: