NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing industrial hemp technologies (PA, NY)

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This Regional Innovation Engines Development Award is focused on the development of a Pennsylvania plant-based ecosystem built upon genetic research, bioengineering, domestic propagation, cultivation, and processing that will support the manufacture and deployment of innovative bio-based products for application in green building construction, packaging, foods, nutraceuticals, textiles, renewable energy, and land remediation. Driven by increased global demand for bio-renewable and recyclable products needed to reduce greenhouse gases, eliminate plastic waste, increase food security, and improve soil health, the success of this project will result in a new industrial hemp-based supply chain inclusive of improved seed genetics, propagation labs, greenhouses, commercial farms, industrial decortication facilities, and bio-based product manufacturers. Historically the nation's most prolific grower of industrial hemp until the mid-19th Century, Pennsylvania is well-positioned for this activity due to its rich agricultural resources, world-class academic institutions, investments in innovation, access to major markets, multiple manufacturing hubs, strong industry, and advisory partnerships, and statewide workforce education programs designed to spur economic development and job creation. Led by Vytal Plant Science Research, a nonprofit biotechnology corporation, partners include a broad state-wide consortium of academic, public, non-profit, and economic development organizations, including Penn State University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the PA Department of Agriculture, Luzerne County Community College, DON (Disability Options Network) Processing, Team PA Foundation, EPCAMR, and several private industries.To meet this opportunity, the project team will work with key stakeholders to develop a statewide strategic plan designed to coordinate research and commercialization activities and align resources to address the primary gaps in the ecosystem, namely existing regulatory impediments, inferior plant genetics, limited farmer confidence in the market, public misconceptions of industrial hemp, and lack of industrial processing facilities to support a sustainable supply chain. This strategic planning process will develop recommended use-inspired research, STEM workforce, and agriculture education programs, policy amendments, communication strategies, and funding programs to incentivize the development of crucial infrastructure inclusive of propagation labs and greenhouses, commercial farms, and industrial decortication facilities, as well as innovation resources to support biotechnology startups and investment. Long-term goals are to realize an estimated $3.5 Billion market opportunity for the Commonwealth, create at least 14,000 jobs throughout the entire supply chain, and position Pennsylvania as a national leader of industrial hemp production and manufacturer of plant-derivative bioproducts.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.