Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles will be the guest speaker at the Boyle County Chamber of Commerce quarterly luncheon at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Danville.

Chamber Executive Director Jeff Jewel said Quarles will be discussing several agricultural topics, including the future of hemp production in Kentucky.

Jewell said years ago, the hemp business “was huge here.” And since this area is well suited for hemp production, the crop could have a positive impact on our local economy.

Another topic Quarles will discuss is agri-tourism. “I’m really gung-ho about agri-tourism,” Jewell said.

The chamber wants to reach out more to members of the agriculture business community, Jewel said, and having Quarles as the speaker is a way to do that.

Jewel described Quarles as a “very dynamic person,” who has many interesting positive ideas involving agriculture. For example, he’s created the Kentucky Hunger Initiative through the agriculture commission, Jewel said.

“He’s made really important agriculture policies.”

According to the chamber’s website, “Under (Quarles’) direction, the KDA continues to look for more opportunities for Kentucky farmers to grow domestic and international markets.” Quarles has also “supported the expansion of Kentucky’s diverse agricultural portfolio to include industrial hemp, kenaf, and hops.”

He is the youngest statewide elected official in the U.S.

Following the presentation, there will be time for questions and answers. “It will be a real interesting exchange,” Jewell said.

Harvey’s restaurant will be catering the lunch of pulled pork, coleslaw and green beans.

IF YOU GO

Tickets to the Boyle County Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly luncheon are $20 and must be purchased in advance by calling (859) 236-2361 or visiting the chamber’s website at http://www.danvilleboylechamber.com. The event will be at noon on Aug. 28 at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Danville.