CT Hemp School for a New Regenerative Economy

Commodities

Practices

SEAmarron Farmstead LLC is requesting $248,417.49 to establish an industrial hemp training facility in Connecticut that will teach farmers to cultivate, process, and market hemp while creating opportunities for agricultural communities. This initiative addresses challenges such as limited market access, processing infrastructure, and technical resources, which impact farmers.

Our project aligns with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Climate-Smart Commodity Grant, for which we are collaborating with UCONN and the Northwest Conservation District (NWCD). This $2.5 million grant will supplement our efforts by integrating practices into the hemp value chain, fostering sustainable agriculture, and mitigating environmental impacts. Together, these efforts will position hemp as a cornerstone of Connecticut's transition to climate smart agricultural systems.

The hemp training facility will serve as a central hub, offering resources and training for farmers to efficiently grow and process hemp for different industries such as textiles, construction, and health products. By working with partners like the Liberated Land Cooperative and CT NOFA, we will emphasize capacity-building, policy initiation, and shared leadership to meet challenges.

This project aligns with Northeast SARE's mission to foster sustainable agricultural systems while leveraging the NACD Climate-Smart Commodity Grant, also integrating sustainability. By establishing a hemp training facility, we aim to strengthen Connecticut's food system, promote economic development, and provide a replicable model for resilient agriculture.

Project Objectives
This project aims to establish a comprehensive Hemp Training Program in Connecticut to provide training, research, and market development for farmers. The project is designed to address critical gaps in education, conservation, and market access for farmers in communities. It will leverage partnerships with the University of Connecticut (UCONN), the Northwest Conservation District (NWCD), the Liberated Land Cooperative, the Bio-Based Materials Collective, and Hemp Hub East. This initiative focuses exclusively on training, research, and development activities funded by the grant and does not include the establishment or operation of a processing facility.

The primary objectives are:

• Develop a Farmer Training Program: Collaborate with UCONN and NWCD to create a curriculum emphasizing sustainable hemp cultivation and conservation practices.

• Launch a Hemp Training Facility: Provide hands-on training in hemp growing and harvesting techniques at a dedicated facility.

• Engage Farmers: Partner with the Liberated Land Cooperative to recruit and train farmers, ensuring inclusive participation in the hemp industry.

• Research and Develop Hemp Markets: Work with the Bio-Based Materials Collective and Hemp Hub East to analyze and develop viable markets for hemp products, including fiber, seeds, and biomass.

Key Activities and Steps

1. Training Program Development (June 2025 - November 2025)

• Partner with UCONN and NWCD to design a curriculum tailored to hemp farming, focusing on soil health, crop rotation, pest management, and conservation planning.
• Incorporate practical components such as crop management strategies and harvesting best practices into the curriculum.
• Develop training materials, including online resources, printed manuals, and demonstration videos to accommodate learning preferences.

2. Farmer Recruitment and Community Outreach (December 2025 - May 2026)

• Work with the Liberated Land Cooperative to identify and recruit farmers across Connecticut.
• Promote the training program through agricultural networks, local community groups, and regional events to ensure broad awareness and participation.
• Provide financial assistance, such as scholarships or stipends, to encourage farmer participation.
• Educate farmers on the different uses of hemp beyond CBD.

3. Establishing the Training Facility (June 2026 - November 2026)

• Identify and prepare a central location for the Farmer Hemp Training Facility.
• Develop demonstration plots at the facility for hands-on training in hemp cultivation and harvesting.
• Equip the facility with necessary tools and materials, including planting equipment, irrigation systems, and harvesting tools.

4. Conducting Workshops and Training Sessions (December 2026 - May 2027)

• Organize workshops focusing on topics such as planting, crop maintenance, pest control, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Deliver one-on-one guidance and conservation planning assistance to farmers, emphasizing sustainable practices and efficient land use.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning opportunities, where experienced farmers mentor participants in real-world scenarios.

5. Market Research and Development (June 2027 - December 2027)

• • Collaborate with the Bio-Based Materials Collective and Hemp Hub East to identify market opportunities for hemp products, such as fiber, seeds, and biomass.
  • Conduct feasibility studies for industrial hemp applications, including textiles, construction materials, and bioplastics.
  • Build relationships with buyers, manufacturers, and distributors to create reliable market channels for participating farmers.

• Develop marketing campaigns that highlight the environmental and economic impact of hemp products grown by farmers.

6. Program Evaluation and Planning for Sustainability (January 2028 - May 2028)

• Assess the program's effectiveness in improving farmer knowledge, conservation practices, and production capacity.
• Evaluate the market development efforts, focusing on partnerships and sales opportunities created for farmers.
• Collect feedback from participants and partners to refine training methods and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop a roadmap for scaling the program or replicating it in other regions to expand its impact.

Anticipated Results

• Skilled Farmers: The training program will equip participants with the knowledge and skills required for successful hemp cultivation and harvesting.

• Sustainable Practices: Conservation plans integrated into the curriculum will promote sustainable farming, enhancing soil health and reducing environmental impact.

• Educated Farmers: Targeted outreach and financial assistance will farmer participation in Connecticut's hemp industry.

• Market Opportunities: Collaboration with industry partners will create robust market channels for hemp products, increasing farmers' incomes and economic opportunities.

• Enhanced Collaboration: Stronger networks among farmers, researchers, and market stakeholders will facilitate knowledge sharing and collective success.

Alignment with Grant Objectives

This project aligns with the grant's focus on training, research, and development. It prioritizes education and capacity building for farmers while leveraging research partnerships to explore market opportunities. The exclusion of facility establishment costs ensures compliance with funding constraints.

The emphasis on sustainability directly supports broader agricultural goals, enabling farmers to thrive in Connecticut's growing industrial hemp industry.

Timeline Overview

1. June 2025 - November 2025: Develop curriculum and training materials in partnership with UCONN and NWCD.
2. December 2025 - May 2026: Recruit farmers and promote the training program statewide.
3. June 2026 - November 2026: Establish the Farmer Hemp Training Facility and prepare demonstration plots.
4. December 2026 - May 2027: Conduct training sessions and workshops, emphasizing hands-on learning.
5. June 2027 - December 2027: Research market opportunities and build partnerships for hemp product sales.
6. January 2028 - May 2028: Evaluate program outcomes and develop plans for scalability and sustainability.

Conclusion

By focusing on training, research, and development, this initiative will provide underserved farmers with the tools and resources to succeed in the industrial hemp industry. It addresses critical challenges, such as the limited reach of education and markets, while promoting sustainable practices. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programming, this project will serve as a model for agricultural development, ensuring a lasting impact on Connecticut's farming community.