Lincoln University hosts showcase at Missouri State Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Researchers, faculty, students and administrators from Lincoln University convened Wednesday in the Missouri Capitol to showcase the college's programs, research and curriculum to lawmakers.

"While the main purpose of the day is to garner legislative support for our land-grant funding match, this is also a wonderful opportunity to introduce or reacquaint Lincoln University with lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol," said an online description of the event.

One of the featured exhibitions at Tuesday's showcase was the Lincoln University Cooperative Research and Extension Industrial Hemp Initiative, a new program aimed at bolstering the state's hemp industry.

The LU research team is conducting genetic, molecular and biochemical testing on varieties of hemp and developing various ways to grow the crop.

One of the main objectives of LU lobbyists at the state Capitol is encouraging lawmakers to provide the college with 100 percent of the 1862 Land Grant funding match, which would be more than $7 million.

Last year, the state matched the federal land grand funds at $3.8 million, or around 52 percent.