INDIANAPOLIS — The 2014 Farm Bill provision for hemp research and pilot programs has sparked national media awareness and conversation about hemp. Currently, Indiana has an active pilot research program but no commercial activity. What’s preventing the U.S. from fully joining more than 30 other industrialized nations that allow its farmers to grow this beneficial crop?
A screening of the award-winning documentary film “Bringing It Home” with expert panel discussion and Q&A will be hosted by Indiana Farmer’s Union Hemp Chapter on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at Indiana City Brewing Co. in downtown Indianapolis.
More industrial hemp fiber, seed and oil is exported to the U.S. than to any other country and American consumers are purchasing nearly $600 million in hemp products annually. Despite hemp’s growing popularity, current federal policy still places a barrier for U.S. farmers from widely growing this nutritious, versatile and eco-friendly crop. “Bringing It Home” explores the question of why a crop with so many widespread benefits cannot be farmed in the United States by exploring its history, industries and current farming legalization efforts.
Following the screening, an expert panel of researchers from Blue Circle Development who specialize in the hemp industry will be hosting a Q&A and open discussion on hemp. The panel includes: Brandon Pitcher, managing partner, Blue Circle Development; Brady Price, farm director; Blake Ebersole, president, NaturPro Scientific; and Richard Kyoto, biologist and PhD Plant Pathology. Blue Circle Development is a title sponsor of the upcoming 24th Annual Hemp Industries Association Conference in Lexington, Ky. To view the full biographies of the panel, visit http://bluecircledevelopment.com/team-members/. For more information on the HIA conference, please visit https://www.thehia.org/event-2535421.
The screening of “Bringing It Home” in Indianapolis is part of a national grassroots screening tour across the country.
“We made ‘Bringing It Home’ with the intention of reaching a broad spectrum of viewers — from policy makers and civic groups, to farmers and health advocates, from consumers to the construction industry — with the same strategic message about how hemp offers solutions and hope,” said Director Linda Booker. The documentary aims to magnify dialogue and legislative action about hemp in order to facilitate America’s transition to a more informed, sustainable and healthy future.
The Indiana Hemp Industries Association will also be in attendance.
“We are very excited to support one of the first events here in Indiana to offer such a large expert panel on the hemp industry in the U.S. and to offer conversations with those working with hemp every day. We are thrilled to work with Indiana Farmer’s Union Hemp Chapter to facilitate closer working relationships with farmers across our state — who we believe are the backbone of our economic success,” said Executive Director Jessica Scott.
Indiana Farmers Union is a grass-roots organization that works to protect the social and economic well-being of family farmers throughout the Hoosier state. Approximately 10 Indiana Farmers Union members formed a chapter based out of Morgan County to focus on issues related to the legalization of industrial hemp production throughout Indiana.
- Screening Date: Sept. 12
- Screening Time: 6 p.m.
- Screening Location: Indiana City Brewing Co.
- Admission: $20
- Event Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/infu-bringing-it-home-screening-panel-discussion-tickets-37364147170
— Indiana Farmers Union