West of the Catskill Mountains and bordering Pennsylvania, the Southern Tier region of New York is about to get a little greener—hopefully both literally and figuratively. Southern Tier Hemp, a vertically integrated agriculture technology, recently purchased the former Gannet printing plant in Johnson City—a 100,000-square-foot facility—to serve as headquarters for the hemp production company, as well as be the largest hemp processing facility in the state.
“This building is spectacular for us, and it’ going to be such a showcase; people are being very impressed,” said Michael Falcone, Southern Tier Hemp CEO. “Frankly, one of the great advantages in the Southern Tier, with the roadway system, we’re shipping to as many as 65 million to 70 million people with one day’s drive.”
In economic and population decline since the 1990s, the Southern Tier region had hoped to experience an economic boom from natural gas drilling. When that was banned due to environmental and health concerns in December 2014, area leaders sought more innovative avenues to reinvigorate the region. That search led them to a fledgling industry that wasn’t on the scene four years ago and which, according to Falcone, has the potential to produce revenues of up to $10,000 an acre.
“This community was indoctrinated into a type of manufacturing, and though agriculture could translate into a manufacturing opportunity, it really eluded a lot of people,” said New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “We’re definitely at the turning point.”
Southern Tier Hemp plans to begin renovating its new facility this spring in time for the 2019 hemp harvest. It expects to employ around 120 employees within 36 months of opening. The state of New York has committed $650,000 in grants to assist the company.
“New York State is embracing the advancement of hemp-based products under the guidance of both Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Richard A. Ball, Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets,” Falcone said. “New York’s Southern Tier is a phenomenal area to harvest and produce our products at our new facility. It’s an ideal location for our headquarters to cultivate CBD products that generate new agriculture opportunities and bring jobs to the region.”
So, just what will the future hold for the new plant? Industrial hemp, CBD, is nonpsychoactive and has less than .03 percent THC. The fibers from the plants have a range of uses, including building and insulation material, while the oil can be used in various food and personal products. Southern Tier Hemp will develop, manufacture and sell hemp CBD products, including superfoods, body care creams, supplements and lotions.
Education is also a vital element for the future of the industry and a cornerstone for Southern Tier Hemp. The new headquarters will house a state-of-the-art lab in cooperation with the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to research additional pharmaceutical benefits of CBD.