jwhittaker@post-journal.com
Legalization of marijuana in New York state is leading to added interest in some colleges’ agricultural programs.
During discussion earlier this week of a loan forgiveness program for young farmers by the state Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Liz Krueger, D-New York City, discuss the increased interest with state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay. Borrello has been a vocal critic of the marijuana legalization program, particularly the lack of state funding for drug recognition experts.
“I don’t know how you’ll cope with this George, but I’ve heard from several upstate colleges there is a lot of interest in agriculture by young people in cannabis and hemp,” Krueger said. “Now that we have new legal products for people to farm they have already voiced their interest in this career path. .. The farming community was and continues to be very interested in exploring opportunities with the products. It’s a good match with the young people.�