Story by Cady Stribling
Staff writer
Calloway County will soon welcome its first HempWood manufacturing operation to expand the hemp industry.
Governor Matt Bevin announced plans on March 19 for a new $5.8 million investment that will create 25 full time jobs, according to the press release.
Kentucky recently approved the 2018 farm bill, which was the final step in bringing industrial hemp for agricultural purposes to America. Murray has been a focus because it is a sustainable area to grow hemp.
Bevin said the hemp industry is gaining national attention for Kentucky.
The Board of Regents approved the new Center for Agricultural Hemp on March 1. This makes Murray State the first university to implement research and partner with companies to grow the hemp industry.
The HempWood operation will be located in Murray. The farms in western Kentucky have already contracted 800 tons of hemp stalks, according to the press release.
Tony Brannon, dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture, said he knew there would be multiple opportunities for the growth of hemp if it could be classified as a legal agricultural commodity.
Greg Wilson, owner of Fibonacci LLC, formed the company in March 2018. Fibonacci LLC will be locating the new project.
“We are excited to welcome Greg Wilson and this company to Calloway County,” Brannon said. “We have been working with them for several years starting with coordination under the Regional Business Innovation Center and Loretta Daniel. We have watched them overcome hurdle after hurdle to make this happen. It is exciting to see them locate here and to cooperate with Murray State. We are especially pleased to see someone undertake a new operation on the fiber side of the business since most of the emphasis has been on the CBD platform.”
Brannon said the University has invited Wilson to be a foundational partner for Murray State’s Center for Agricultural Hemp.
“I think he has plans to do this in the future after he is up and operational,” Brannon said.
Brannon also said the new manufacturing operation means more opportunity for growth and expansion of the hemp industry for Murray. The operation could potentially create jobs for graduates and students.
“Currently Murray State agricultural distinguished alumni Phil McCallon is their ‘boots on the ground,’ and has done a great job in bringing this project to fruition,” Brannon said. “So, it has already provided one job for one of our graduates.”
Until then, Brannon said he plans to continue helping the new HempWood operation to get up and running.
“A rising tide raises all ships… it’s good to have another partner in Racer country,” Brannon said.
Bevin’s office said Fibonnacci plans to lease a 11,230-square-foot facility where production is expected to begin this summer.
