Because of interest from the community and hemp industry, Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) Winchester-Clark County Campus will offer an  introduction to hemp agribusiness course this fall. This is the first course of its kind in Central Kentucky.

“Hemp is quickly becoming a large part of the Kentucky economy. To continue on the forefront of this industry, BCTC consulted with several hemp partners in Winchester and designed this class to give a basic understanding of hemp agribusiness,” said Bruce Manley, campus director, BCTC Winchester-Clark County Campus. “We want it to become an essential part of hemp education in Winchester for anyone who is interested.”

This partnership is important to the hemp industry and Winchester community. “We planted our flag in Clark County because of the supportive nature of the community,” said  Matty Mangone Miranda, GenCanna CEO. “We are thrilled that BCTC recognized a need they could fill for the community and a pathway for bright young people to participate in the future of the industry.”

BCTC not only enjoys local support of this project, but statewide support as well. Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles believes hemp education is important to this fast-growing industry in Kentucky.

“My vision is that Kentucky should be known as the epicenter of the hemp industry in the United States,” said Commissioner Quarles. “Collaborations like this one between GenCanna and Bluegrass Community and Technical College get us closer to achieving that goal. I cannot wait to see what this partnership produces for our state.” 

BIO 229: Special Topics introduces students to the basics of hemp agribusiness, the history of hemp in Kentucky, career options and compliance issues. Any current or prospective student may take the course for an elective college credit, or community members or business partners may take the course through BCTC Workforce Solutions.

In this course, students will learn about landmark decisions in the history of hemp. They will also learn to classify gender, strains and structure of hemp and recognize products utilizing hemp and product benefits. In addition, they will explore the basic processing mechanisms for hemp, including ethanol and CO2 extraction, and techniques used for hemp cultivation and product requirements. Finally, students will explore career options in the hemp industry, skills required for those careers and government regulations regarding hemp production, distribution and sales.

Classes will meet at the BCTC Winchester-Clark County Campus, 2020 Rolling Hills Lane, Winchester, KY on Tuesdays, 2-3:15 p.m. They begin Sept. 17 and run through Dec. 10. The cost is approximately $600, including the required textbook.

Students may enroll as a BCTC student or through Workforce Solutions. Students will earn three academic credits.

To enroll, current BCTC students may add this class to their schedules online. Those who are not current BCTC students may enroll through Workforce Solutions by contacting Laura Fraebel at 859-246-6730 or laura.fraebel@kctcs.edu, or by stopping by the Winchester-Clark County Campus.