Georgia hemp grower advocates for change in regulations, says farmers need support from state

According to the Georgia Farm Bureau, cotton, peanuts, corn, blueberries and pecans are among the most valuable commodities in Georgia’s nearly $84 billion agricultural industry.

Henry Ostaszewski, a hemp grower and the cofounder of Blue 42 Market in Downtown Dahlonega, says there’s a paradigm shift happening in America. He says there needs to be cleaner sources of food.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Ostaszewski told show host Rose Scott that North Georgia has the opportunity to produce more hemp. But he says growers need additional resources at the state level. Ostaszewski also talked about the importance of producing goods that are environmentally friendly and pesticide-free. He also discussed the current state of Georgia’s agricultural landscape and the potential economic impact the Trump administration could have on the industry.