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State Senator Cohen Tours Hemp Farm in Killingworth

On July 19, State Senator Christine Cohen (D-12) toured one of Connecticut’s first hemp farms licensed as part of the newly legalized, industrial hemp pilot program.

Cohen, the co-chair of the Environment Committee, was joined by the farm’s site manager, Becky Goetsch, Killingworth First Selectman Catherine Iino, the commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture, and the president of the state’s farm bureau. Throughout the 2019 legislative session, Cohen championed a bipartisan industrial hemp bill, which created the brand new trade for Connecticut.

“This new industry presents a multitude of opportunities for businesses and farms across the state,” said Cohen. “It is encouraging to see farms, like Running Brook, taking advantage of this lucrative cash crop. Seeing the seedlings going into the ground for eventual sale and use generates an air of excitement and promise for these land owners and manufacturers. Ultimately, everyone in Connecticut reaps the benefits of this pro-farm, pro-business legislation.”

First Selectman Catherine Iino agreed and added that this new trade is great for Killingworth.

“Killingworth is committed to encouraging agriculture on its lands. Among the crops currently raised commercially in Killingworth are cranberries, lavender, mushrooms, and alpacas, and we are excited to have a hemp farm joining this array,” Iino said. “These diverse farms help to preserve the rural character that draws people to our beautiful town.”

Running Brook Farms received the fourth hemp license in Connecticut and recently planted its first seeds.

“Having the opportunity to grow hemp is an exciting proposition on many levels,” said Goetsch. “As a business opportunity, it is phenomenal as hemp’s growing season is in total synergy with our existing nursery seasons, and will help relieve significant financial pressure due to competition from box stores.”