The report goes on to say
Munzlinger, who represents 14 counties in northeast and north central Missouri, described hemp as “one of the oldest crops known to man.”
“The Constitution, U.S. Constitution, was printed on hemp paper,” Munzlinger testified. “Our original money, paper monies, was on hemp paper because of its durability of the fibers that are in that.”
A member of the Missouri Farm Bureau and the Missouri Soybean Association testified in favor of the bill on Monday. Dan Erdel, who has a 265-acre farm in mid-Missouri’s Mexico, described hemp as a highly-profitable alternative crop.
“I know that industrial hemp would be a very good substitute. It not only has wildlife benefits, it also has soil protection and nutrient benefits,” Erdel said.
Erdel testified that the net profit for industrial hemp in Kentucky is about $600 per acre, after expenses. He goes on to say that Kentucky is the national leader in industrial hemp.
The Missouri House passed a similar bill last year by a 126-26 vote, but it died in the full Senate in May.
The Senate Agriculture Committee has not voted on the measure.
Also, listen to the hearings here.
