Pennsylvania awards innovation grants for hemp animal research, hemp construction

Pennsylvania awarded $1.3 million in agricultural research grants, including funding for projects looking at hemp use in construction materials and animal medicine.

The state’s agriculture secretary, Russell Redding, said the projects being funded can spur innovation in medicine, clean water, healthier soil and a safer food supply.

“Meeting the challenges of feeding a growing population amid rapid changes in climate, technology and animal and plant diseases demands investment in research and development,” Redding said.

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine received $14,432 to analyze cannabinoids in bovine serum and hempseed samples.

Coexist Build, meanwhile, received $4,500 for regenerative farming featuring hemp-based construction.