Author: Stephen Lewis
Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Agent Stephen Lewis was contacted by two former Master Gardener Class participants who were looking for assistance completing the Kentucky application for a hemp processors license. The gardeners were a part of a larger group of about 6 African Americans who have access to a large warehouse space in West Louisville and are forming a business to process hemp into CBD oil. Some of the language in the application was difficult to understand, especially for first timers in an agriculture related business. Agent Lewis met with the group several times to fine tune the application, answer questions, and correct any mistakes. Agent Lewis was able to collaborate with Austin Wright, a KSU small farm agent in Hopkinsville, and the group visited Kentucky Hempworks, the first business to be awarded a Hemp Processing license in Kentucky. We took a tour of their facility and learned some of the ins and outs of their business and received advice on what KYDA is looking for on their application. Seeing the facility and the process KY Hempworks used to make their oil showed the group that they too were capable of making their business goals a reality. The deadline to turn in the application was June 1st and Agent Lewis met with the group one final time to review the application before submitting it. The application was turned in on time and 1 week later the group followed up with Mr. Lewis to tell them that they were awarded a Hemp processing license.
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