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Commercial Hemp Farmers Form Co-Ops As Hedge Against Uncertainty

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On this West Virginia Morning, some Ohio Valley farmers are reaping their first hemp harvest since federal law changed to legalize hemp. With some 27,000 acres under production in the region, hemp is booming. But it remains a risky crop, with uncertainty about markets, growing practices, and concern that larger players might squeeze out small growers.

The Ohio Valley ReSource’s Liam Niemeyer reports some hemp farmers are forming new cooperatives to reduce that risk and protect small farmers.

Also on today’s show, Sesame Street has a history of tacking big issues. Last week, the kids show launched a new short film to help children who are going through tough times when their parents are struggling with addiction. The filmmakers who produced the film are all from West Virginia. Roxy Todd sat down with one of the directors to learn more.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University, and Shepherd University.