Source: kyforward.com
Martin Smith believes both kenaf and hemp are the ‘wave of the future.’(Photo provided)
The crops kenaf and hemp have a long list of uses – from biofuels to string fibers to chicken bedding. But Martin Smith believes the most important purpose for these plants will be to create new economic opportunities for small-scale farmers in Kentucky and in developing communities around the world.
Smith, who heads up the Lawrenceburg-based company United Global Co-Opportunities, conducts research on alternative crops kenaf and hemp, which have more than 25,000 possible uses. Both hemp and kenaf are fiber-bearing tropical plants in the Cannibus family. In addition to being sources for paper, plywood, animal feed, human food, clothing and burlap, the crops have the capability of producing biofuel alternatives. The crops can also be used as an inexpensive means of producing electricity.
“It’s obviously the wave of the future when you think about all the things that are failing to supply our needs on the large scale,” Martin said of growing the crops. “The timing is perfect to implement small scale production models – not just here, but globally.”
Currently, Ford Motor Co. is using kenaf in the door panels of its Ford Escape, and other car manufacturers, including Toyota, are experimenting with these materials as well. Hemp has also been used in sustainable hempcrete houses, which have shown to improve heating and cooling efficiency. Smith’s company is currently working on a project to create energy-efficient hempcrete houses for communities in Appalachia.
Growing up on a few acres in the Ozark Mountains, Smith developed an appreciation for small-scale farmers. He was exposed to agricultural challenges throughout the world during his time in the Navy. The mission of his company, which he established in December 2012, is to offer an on-farm production model for kenaf and hemp that will support the minority farmer. He is in the process of developing a 75-acre kenaf operation and greenhouse pilot project in Eminence with the goal of creating partnerships to support other Kentucky operations.
Already, the United States imports more than $4 billion of twine annually. Smith’s company is developing a model so farmers can produce these crops in Kentucky to add value to their businesses. Based on this model, United Global Co-Opportunities will provide the technology and resources to help farmers take the crops to the marketplace.
“The small farmer is in great jeopardy, and this is the way for them to make the largest splash in the marketplace right here on our Kentucky farms,” Smith said.
Smith said there are opportunities expand the production to developing countries, such as Ghana and Haiti, where struggling communities can benefit by participating in the co-op. The program, called Seeds for Needs, would encourage sustainable economies and create an economy that Smith said doesn’t currently exist in the United States. Eventually, Smith envisions a global network of co-ops that will be tied back to Kentucky.
“It’s obviously the wave of the future when you think about all the things that are failing to supply our needs on the large scale,” Martin said of growing the crops. “The timing is perfect to implement small scale production models – not just here, but globally.”
Currently, Ford Motor Co. is using kenaf in the door panels of its Ford Escape, and other car manufacturers, including Toyota, are experimenting with these materials as well. Hemp has also been used in sustainable hempcrete houses, which have shown to improve heating and cooling efficiency. Smith’s company is currently working on a project to create energy-efficient hempcrete houses for communities in Appalachia.
Growing up on a few acres in the Ozark Mountains, Smith developed an appreciation for small-scale farmers. He was exposed to agricultural challenges throughout the world during his time in the Navy. The mission of his company, which he established in December 2012, is to offer an on-farm production model for kenaf and hemp that will support the minority farmer. He is in the process of developing a 75-acre kenaf operation and greenhouse pilot project in Eminence with the goal of creating partnerships to support other Kentucky operations.
Already, the United States imports more than $4 billion of twine annually. Smith’s company is developing a model so farmers can produce these crops in Kentucky to add value to their businesses. Based on this model, United Global Co-Opportunities will provide the technology and resources to help farmers take the crops to the marketplace.
“The small farmer is in great jeopardy, and this is the way for them to make the largest splash in the marketplace right here on our Kentucky farms,” Smith said.
Smith said there are opportunities expand the production to developing countries, such as Ghana and Haiti, where struggling communities can benefit by participating in the co-op. The program, called Seeds for Needs, would encourage sustainable economies and create an economy that Smith said doesn’t currently exist in the United States. Eventually, Smith envisions a global network of co-ops that will be tied back to Kentucky.
“These applications will be applied to countries around the world that are in lack, so that those communities will have some of the same opportunities as we do, and they will get to enjoy many of the things we may take for granted,” Smith said.
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