Illinois Farmers May Be Allowed to Grow Hemp

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.(IRN)–An Illinois House committee has passed a measure that would allow farmers to grow industrial hemp for commercial purposes, such as to make rope, clothing and other accessories.    State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) acknowledges he’s not the leading authority on agriculture issues, but realizes agriculture is Illinois’ biggest business. He says adding hemp to the list of crops farmers can grow would go a long way to diversifying the state’s agriculture industry.