USDA grant supports breeding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a grant that could total $500,000 for the development of industrial hemp varieties. The funding, under the agency’s Supplemental and Alternative Crops (SAC) grant program, will provide the winner $125,000 per year for up to four years to research and develop new hemp genetics. USDA said the program aims to “produce results to increase the cost effectiveness and competitiveness of (hemp) grown as components of production systems across the country.” Applications for the grant, which is limited to institutions of higher learning, must be submitted by March 30.