Leader Profile: Jamie Campbell Petty - Midwest Hemp Council

LEADER PROFILE

Jamie Petty: Environmentally sound uses of hemp are key

My primary focus when I began learning about and advocating for hemp, was the belief that our farmers and soil were ready for another crop they could rotate with corn and soybeans, or utilize as a cover crop, for healthier soil and a diversified income stream. Thus, environmentally sound uses for hemp wood, and hemp filament, such as building materials, animal feed, etc., are key to completing the supply chain, while providing a sustainable, more healthy option.

What was a win for your organization in the past year?

We survived COVID! It has been a difficult year, but one of the highlights was attending the annual Future Farmers of America Convention, as we always do. However, this year, our platform was much more visible thanks to partnering with National Hemp Association, New Holland, as well as Purdue Agronomy and Illinois Hemp Growers Association and the US Hemp Building Association.

Rachel Berry’s hands-on hempcrete session and the table of examples for hemp insulation, hemp wood, hemp filament were the driver of increased interaction and interest from the FFA students and advisors. If hemp is to be our future, then we need to be educating the farmers and leaders of the future.

“We are discovering the many ways it will benefit, whether through carbon sequestration or minimizing the carbon.”

Jamie Petty, Executive Director of Midwest Hemp Council

What is something about hemp building/construction/ processing you didn’t know a year ago?

Primarily, the ultimate impact on carbon. Of course, I knew it was a healthier, more sustainable option -- but, we are discovering the many ways it will benefit, whether through carbon sequestration or minimizing the carbon produced throughout the production process.

Jamie Petty, co-founder and Executive Director of Midwest Hemp Council, board treasurer.

What challenges does the hemp building industry/ hemp industry face that they must overcome in the next five years?

Frankly, the same as most things in the hemp industry: A regulatory structure that promotes the utilization of hemp. For building materials, this means building standards and codes; then, developing a consistent quality supply chain such that feed stock growth meets demand for output of construction materials.

These same issues apply whether you are talking hemp for animal feed, cannabinoids or other fiber uses. It is a nascent industry and we must be consistent, yet patient, while consistent and credible supply chains are developed, in conjunction with reasonable and appropriate regulations.