Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer

Ag Commissioner James Comer Heading to Washington to Talk Hemp

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:18:57 +0000

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer is finalizing details for an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., to try and get a federal waiver for industrial hemp.

Earlier this year, Kentucky lawmakerspassed a bill setting up a regulatory framework for hemp growing in Kentucky. Comer promises to work at the federal level for legalization or a waiver.

Ag Commissioner James Comer: Indictment of Richie Farmer Won't Affect Department

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:45:43 +0000

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says the indictment of his predecessor Richie Farmer won't be an issue for the state Agriculture Department.

After taking office, Comer and his staff have helped with the many investigations of Farmer's tenure as commissioner. And Comer says he's made it his goal to restore public confidence in the department.

Comer closes fuel testing lab to save money

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:40:11 +0000

Kentucky will shut down an expensive fuel testing lab run by the Department of Agriculture. The lab was meant to test the quality of fuel from pumps across the commonwealth. It was the brainchild of former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, who promised other states would eventually sign contracts with the lab and generate significant revenue…but those contracts never materialized and so far, the lab has been a money guzzler.

Kentucky Hemp Supporters Blast Amendment Calling for Further Study

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:19:52 +0000

Kentucky's industrial hemp supporters lashed out Thursday against a last-minute amendment to the hemp bill that's been under consideration this year in the General Assembly.

House Committee Passes Hemp Bill, but Floor Vote Uncertain

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:41:51 +0000

In its second try, the Kentucky House agriculture committee approved a bill Wednesday creating a regulatory framework for growing hemp in Kentucky, if the federal government were to legalize it.

The hemp bill—championed by Agriculture Commissioner James Comer—got only one no vote in the House agriculture committee.

Last week, an ag committee meeting abruptly ended after a tense exchange among lawmakers on the hemp issue.

Several House lawmakers said they voted for the bill to help support the Ag industry and to possibly create more jobs in Kentucky.

Kentucky State Senate Passes Hemp Bill

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:02:39 +0000

The state Senate has passed a bill aimed at creating a hemp industry in Kentucky, though the bill's future appears to lack the support of key government leaders.

Hemp Bill Sails Through Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:34:17 +0000

FRANKFORT — After testimony from a bevy of high-level supporters, the state Senate agriculture committee unanimously approved Monday a bill that would establish oversight for Kentucky industrial hemp farmer if hemp were made legal federally.