Hemp4Water has been evolving since 2013 and some exciting things are happening in Florida! Part of the evolution is a transformation from activism to action. Hemp4Water® is now Trademarked and registered as a Florida LLC, a Florida Not for Profit Corporation, and has the 501c3 designation with the IRS.
Hemp4Water® is now partnered with South Florida State College, Indian River College and permitted from the Florida Department of Agriculture to cultivate industrial hemp under the Florida Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Program in multiple locations. They are nearing the end of year two of this project at the Avon Park campus of the College.
Hemp4Water founder Steve Edmonds is currently focused on the initial, phase one research. The scope is to quantify the amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorus that a single hemp plant will consume from the water column in its life cycle. The plants are situated on floating bio-mats so they may be grown hydroponically, feeding from impaired water bodies directly. We are one of the first hemp fiber oriented pilot programs in the State of Florida. Even more unique, we are focusing on environmental solutions instead of commercial solutions. Phase 2 is genetics. We are constantly searching for the right varieties that will not just survive but thrive in the harsh conditions our program deals with. In addition, we are working on projects in Michigan, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Our mission has become to remove as much Nitrogen and Phosphorus from rivers and lakes as possible utilizing industrial hemp.
Hemp4Water continues to be a gathering place for discussions on fiscally responsible solutions to fix our water problems in Florida. It has been estimated that if we were to fix all of the water infrastructure problems in the state of Florida it would cost $60 billion. Here, we show you how to cover that incredible cost without going to the regular funding sources of the state or federal government. Florida will eclipse all other states when it finally opens the door for industrial hemp cultivation. It will generate billions of dollars in economy. This is an opportunity to allocate revenue to specific projects. Hemp4Water® suggests exempting the start ups of the new industrial hemp industries from both corporate and sales tax on their businesses. They will instead pay a 10% water fee that will be directly allocated to water infrastructure projects. This should net them a .5% tax discount and provide an annual funding source for water infrastructure projects. It is estimated that industrial hemp could do better than $9 Billion in business year one. $900 million dedicated to water infrastructure is an awesome start.
The site will be ever evolving and updating with the latest ideas and applications for Hemp4Water®. If you would like to be a part of the discussion, be sure to take a few seconds to fill out the form below.
Steve Edmonds, Founder of Hemp4Water
The Roots of the Hemp Plant Remediate Soil and Water