James Comer

Comer: Industrial Hemp Bill to Get Committee Hearing Wednesday

Kevin Willis (KPR) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:06:57 +0000

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer tweeted Monday that an industrial hemp bill will get a hearing this week in the House Agriculture Committee.

Industrial Hemp Supporters Ratchet Up Pressure

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:20:07 +0000

Industrial hemp supporters are ratcheting up the pressure to force a vote on a stalled bill that would allow farmers in Kentucky to grow the crop if federal ban is lifted. A group led by state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer urged House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McKee Thursday to allow a vote on the bill. The group included a prominent northern Kentucky tobacco farmer who lives in McKee's district.

Agriculture Education, New Markets Focus in New 5-Year Strategic Plan

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:14:29 +0000

Kentucky's agriculture leaders are supporting a new five year strategic plan to help the industry in the state.

The plan, put together by the Kentucky Agriculture Council, puts emphasis on agriculture education, creating new markets and recruiting new people to farming.

Industrial Hemp Debate Continues

Stu Johnson (KPR) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:39:04 +0000

The industrial hemp debate will resume in Frankfort later this morning. A bill seeking a pilot project for hemp in Kentucky will be discussed in a Senate committee. Carrying the ball for putting hemp in farmer’s fields is Agriculture Commissioner James Comer.

“We find new uses every day for industrial hemp," he says. "It’s a green crop. It’s something that is replacing plastic in the automotive industry. You can make paper with industrial hemp, textiles, cosmetics and lotions, bio fuels.”

Ag Commissioner James Comer: Immigration Reform Would Have Tremendous Impact on Industry

Kevin Willis — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:52:31 +0000

Kentucky’s agriculture commissioner says comprehensive immigration reform would have a tremendous impact on the state’s farmers and livestock producers. James Comer says if it weren’t for immigrant labor, many Kentucky farmers wouldn’t be able to harvest their crops.

Hemp Gaining Momentum in General Assembly

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:16:41 +0000

Support for industrial hemp is growing in Kentucky behind the efforts of Agriculture Commissioner James Comer. With last week's endorsement from U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, Comer now has the majority of the state’s federal delegation behind him.

Both senators and half of the state's congressmen have publicly endorsed legalizing industrial hemp. They say Kentucky is well-suited to be a leader in growing hemp for fiber and oil. But the push does have its opponents.

Kentucky Chamber Joins Hemp Supporters

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:55:45 +0000

Another supporter has come out in favor of industrial hemp in Kentucky. The state’s largest business group, the Kentucky Chamber, announced today that it supports hemp as a crop for oil and fiber.

Comer: Marijuana Votes in Other States Bolster Kentucky Hemp Efforts

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Kentucky Agriculture Secretary James Comer said recent measures in Washington and Colorado to legalize marijuana use will only strengthen efforts to allow industrial hemp in the commonwealth.

Marijuana and hemp are considered cousins. Hemp is grown for its fiber and oil and it can't be used as a drug like marijuana can.

Comer Advocates for Term Limits for All Legislative Offices

Stu Johnson (KPR) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:56:22 +0000

One of the key republicans in state government believes change in legislative leadership is a good thing. Long time Senate President David Williams recently resigned to take on judicial responsibilities in his home region. Agriculture Department Commissioner Jamie Comer moved from the legislature to take his current job. Comer favors restricting tenure in leadership positions.

Paul, Comer to Rally for Industrial Hemp

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:30:57 +0000

U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer will hold a news conference on Thursday morning at the Kentucky State Fair to rally for industrial hemp.