Quarles said the United States is producing more food with less land and credits Kentucky farmers, research and innovative agricultural practices for it.

During the meeting, Quarles also touched on developing alternative crops, notably industrial hemp.
“Industrial hemp has a future in our state. It’s a crop that connects our past to our future.” He added that over 4,000 acres of hemp have been planted and the department will also study hops, canola and chia.
He discussed the issue of people in Kentucky going to bed without a meal, and the anti-hunger initiative that’s being worked on.
“Some early solutions are helping farmers harvest unmarketable produce,” he said. “Some edible food goes to waste because of a few blemishes. That produce could be harvested and taken to food banks.”