GLOBAL HEMP INNOVATION CENTER

Harnessing the Future of Hemp

OSU’s Global Hemp Innovation Center (GHIC) is home to world-leading experts in hemp research, extension, and education and is the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation. GHIC is advancing hemp and its market potential fostering innovation across all segments of the hemp supply chain, leveraging the expertise of faculty from diverse disciplines who partner with federal and state agencies and industry sectors to help solve challenges in meeting the growing demand for food, fiber, chemicals, and other products made from hemp.

Prime Location

Oregon’s location on the 45th parallel is optimal for hemp growth. In fact, a unique hemp germplasm – the material used for breeding – was developed in the state over the past several decades. Oregon authorized hemp cultivation in 2009, but the Oregon Department of Agriculture didn’t license its first hemp grower until 2015. Just three years later, Oregon ranked 3rd in the United States in licensed hemp acres planted behind Montana and Colorado.

As the home to more than 220 agricultural commodities, Oregon farmers and producers have the diversity of innovation expertise to successfully navigate the future development of hemp. In fact, The state legislature sponsored a bill (HB 2740) that formed a commission similar to the existing 23 commodity commissions in the state, to direct funding for hemp research. 

 

Leading Expertise

With the launch of the Global Hemp Innovation Center, OSU restores its original position as the nation’s premier hemp research institution. OSU was the site of the country's only hemp research center from the 1880s to the 1930s. We are the most comprehensive hemp research center in the nation with 65 faculty across 19 disciplines conducting research in 10 locations across the state and four locations around the world in Asia and Europe. As the only hemp seed certifier in the state, and one of only four in the country, OSU is able to provide growers access to a source of certified seed for planting in the state. 

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Global Reach

OSU’s Hemp research spans the globe with partners in Europe and Asia. We’ve strategically cultivated these partnerships over the past several years in areas that are at the same latitude as Oregon with similar growing conditions and complementary research areas. Our leadership in hemp was recognized by the National Academies of Sciences which tapped OSU to host the first international hemp symposium as part of the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources's 75th Anniversary celebration.

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Comprehensive Research

OSU’s hemp research includes the most diverse and comprehensive team of collaborative leaders in critical disciplines that touch hemp, with more than 65 faculty representing more than 19 disciplinary areas across the entire university invested in understanding hemp. Serving as a hub, the Global Hemp Innovation Center at OSU connects plant research, food innovation, pharmacy, public health, public policy, business, and engineering. 

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National Hemp Symposium | National Academies of Sciences

February 9-10, 2021

On behalf of the National Academies of Sciences Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR), Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center (GHIC)  hosted our inaugural National Hemp Symposium. Follow the link below to see up-to-date information about future symposia.

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OSU Hemp Field Day - Klamath Basin

October 1, 2021 

Klamath Basin Research & Extension Center 

6941 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR

View Agenda  View Recording

Oregon Hemp Virtual Field Day

September 23, 2020

The Global Hemp Innovation Center at Oregon State University hosted the first annual Oregon Hemp Virtual Field Day. Students, Extension and researchers from across Oregon presented highlights of their work thus far in the 2020 season. We provided a view of hemp being grown in the principal regions south to north, west to east.

Recorded Sessions

 

Virtual Cannabis Research Conference

August 8-10, 2022

The 6th annual 2022 Cannabis Research Conference (CRC) was held as an interactive, virtual experience. This multi-disciplinary, three-day virtual conference attracted attendees both nationally and internationally. The Cannabis Research Conference comprehensively explored the latest in cannabis science and innovation for applications in medicines, foods, materials, and textiles that can improve people’s lives and better society. 

Program Book    Video

In The News

hemp plants

“Working together this way, we will be able to build a sound scientific and business foundation for producing industrial hemp varieties that are not only adapted to Pacific Northwest growing conditions but can be used by manufacturers...


Events

2024

June 5-7 European Industrial Hemp Assoc. Conference Prague, Czech Republic
June 11 USDA Agrifood Innovation Symposium Showcase Washington, DC
June 21 Hemp and its Applications (virtual) UNR | SAS 1 Project
June 25 Hemp Growers Monthly Meetings SOREC-Central Point, OR | Hosted by Govinda Shrestha
July 23 Hemp Growers Monthly Meetings SOREC-Central Point, OR | Hosted by Govinda Shrestha
July 26 Disease and Pest Management; Postharvest Processing of Hemp (virtual) UNR | SAS 1 Project
August 7-9 Cannabis Research Conference Ft. Collins, CO | Co-Hosted by GHIC and CSU-Pueblo
August 20 Hemp Growers Monthly Meetings SOREC-Central Point, OR | Hosted by Govinda Shrestha
August 30 Tribal Engagement UNR | SAS 1 Project
September 24 Hemp Growers Monthly Meetings SOREC-Central Point, OR | Hosted by Govinda Shrestha
September 26 Hemp Federal and Nevada State Programs UNR | SAS 1 Project (noon-1:30 PM)
October 24 Hemp and its Applications UNR | SAS 1 Project (noon-1:30 PM)
November 14 Disease and Pest Management; Postharvest Processing of Hemp UNR | SAS 1 Project (noon-1:30 PM)
December 5 Tribal Engagement Panel Discussion UNR | SAS 1 | SAS 1 Projects (noon-1:30 PM)

 

Extension Hemp Events

Extension Hemp Events Feed

November Livestock 4-H Advisory Committee Meeting

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Nov 7, 2024

[Thu, Nov 7, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm]

Meeting of Superintendents, Leaders, parents and youth members who have an interest in the Clackamas County 4-H Livestock project.

This committee is responsible for planning and implementing educational opportunities and events, fundraising for awards and scholarships, and management of the 4-H Livestock area at Clackamas County Fair.

Meetings are held on the first Thursday March, May, July, and November. Also the second Thursday in September.at the Extension Office in Oregon City

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QPR Training - Saving Lives in Agriculture (in English)

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Nov 20, 2024

[Wed, Nov 20, 2024 10:00 am - 11:30 am]

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is an evidence-based suicide prevention program where participants are empowered to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Similar to CPR, QPR provides lifesaving knowledge and skills to help someone in crisis.

One myth about suicide is that once a person decides to commit suicide, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. The fact is, suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any positive action may save a life.

Who should be trained in QPR to prevent farmer and rancher suicide?

  • Those who know, love and care for them....family and friends
  • Medical providers, including dentists
  • Bankers or financial counselors
  • Veterinarians
  • Farm equipment and supply outlets, pesticide/chemical salespersons

Please note ...

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