The next Industrial Hemp Farm Informational Event is set for 6-9:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Emerald Acres (4N250 IL-47) in Virgil, Illinois. The Industrial Hemp Farm Informational Event is designed to bring clarity, transparency, and opportunity directly to the local communities. The first event was Dec. 3, the second was Jan. 7 event.

More locations are coming soon. 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.

The event will go into greater detail on the following topics, expanding on the first two events:

– Policy updates and industry shifts (including recent federal clarification separating grain/fiber hemp from cannabinoids)

– How to grow hemp for grain vs. fiber (and what makes them different from floral/cannabinoid varieties)

– Equipment & infrastructure needs

– Crop insurance (now expanding for 2026)

– Seed genetics suited for our region

– What we’re building with the Hemp Hubs and how you fit in

– Available contracts for the 2026 grow season

– Which companies are buying these materials and what they’re using them for

– What we need to drive further investment and attention into the farm community.

– Research projects & getting involved

The event will end with an open Q&A. If interested in hosting one of these sessions, contact IH Rise by email at  admin@ihrise.org.

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