The OSU Hemp Symposium is continuing today after yesterday’s opening session.  The approach the organizers are taking is unique and refreshing, with voices from various industries discussing potential applications for hemp in their sector.  Hearing about collaborations with tribes in the US is inspiring, but there is much work to do to include them in hemp initiatives.  States like Oregon and many others west of the Mississippi have large Native American populations that can have a role in the developing sector.  Frustrations remain that the final rule from USDA did not address tribe sovereignty.  

One of the most compelling applications for hemp is fuel.  Yesterday’s session featured SkyNRG Americas CEO, John Plaza, who discussed the various methods for producing fuel from hemp biomass and hempseed oil.  John offered an exceptionally realistic view on hemp for fuel, which was a hard pill for some…