UK Agronomist Was a National Leader in Hemp Research

FRANKFORT (June 28, 2019) — Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles joined the Kentucky agriculture family in mourning the loss of University of Kentucky (UK) agronomy professor David Williams. Dr. Williams was director of UK’s Robinson Center for Appalachian Resources Sustainability and a nationally recognized leader in hemp research.

“Dr. Williams’ work was crucial to establishing Kentucky as the epicenter of the American hemp industry,” Commissioner Quarles said. “Under his leadership, Kentucky developed cutting-edge research on hemp production under the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s industrial hemp research pilot program that will serve growers in the Commonwealth and across the nation for years to come. David was also a friend and mentor to me. I am heartbroken by this news. My heartfelt prayers of comfort go out to his family, his co-workers, and his friends in Kentucky agriculture.”

David Williams, left, talks about the state's hemp research pilot program as Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles looks on in a news conference in March in Lexington. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)