An Industrial Hemp Farmer Informational Event is scheduled for 6–9 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Gower Translational Research Center in Carbondale. The in-person event is free to the public. To register, visit here.

Networking begins at 6 p.m., followed by presentations from 6:15-8 p.m., and Q&A session from 8-9 p.m. with industry leaders focused on practical insights and farmer-centered perspectives. Topics include planting, harvesting, weed management, soil health, offtake agreements, and current industry developments. Presenters will also “discuss how emerging bio-based materials, including construction products, textiles, packaging, and industrial composites are being explored in commercial and government supply chains, and what readiness may look like for producers if those markets continue to develop.”

The Gower Translational Research Center is located at 1785 University Press Drive in Carbondale. The event is brought to the public by IH RISE, Southern Illinois University, and Illinois Apex Accelerator. IH RISE is a nonprofit promoting industrial hemp as a catalyst for food security, regenerative agriculture, and rural infrastructure for Illinois, is helping inform hemp farmers, landowners, and agriculture professionals with free monthly educational events across Illinois.

If interested in hosting one of these sessions, contact IH RISE by email at admin@ihrise.org. 2wsFor more Illinois cannabis industry news, subscribe to Illinois News Joint’s newsletter here.

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