In the News

An effort to develop the industrial hemp industry is taking root in the city.

Vytal Plant Science Research, a nonprofit biotechnology corporation in Hazleton, secured a $1 million National Science Foundation grant for developing an industrial hemp engine that company representatives say is intended to restore Pennsylvania’s role as a major player in the industrial hemp market.

The highly-competitive grant helps put all aspects of the industrial hemp industry — from farmers and processors to manufacturers and industries that produce hemp products — on the same page, identify industry gaps and market potential, as well as industry and development opportunities over a two-year period, said Sairam V. Rudrabhatla, professor of biology at the School of Science, Engineering and Technology at Penn State Harrisburg.

The initiative involves a public-private partnership between Vytal Plant Science Research and Penn State University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Luzerne County Community College, Lackawanna College, Emory University, DON Processing, Team PA Foundation as well as farms and private industry that are cultivating, brokering and manufacturing hemp based products, according to U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, who announced the grant Thursday.

Cartwright calls the grant an investment in economic development.

“This grant, made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act, will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and is again presenting opportunities for new businesses, farm income, good-paying jobs and climate friendly, environmentally sound products.”