A historic Taylor cotton gin is getting a new use as an industrial hemp-processing facility as part of a project from E3 Agriculture and The Gentleman Farm, according to a press release.
Hemp can be used in construction, including structures such as homes.
The opening of the facility will be celebrated 4-8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the historic Williamson County Gin, 308 Sturgis St.
Tours are 5-5:45 p.m. and presentations on the new renovation will be 6-7 p.m.
The two firms and the Taylor Economic Development Corp. banded together to breathe new life into the gin, which has been closed for years.
Founder and CEO of E3 Agriculture Lucas Evans, a seventh-generation Texas farmer, is behind the project and hopes to bring more agricultural processing closer to where crops are grown, the release noted.
E3 Agriculture’s Seed to Shelter model uses one hemp harvest for multiple markets, including animal products and plant-based building materials.
The Gentleman Farm will bring products such as animal bedding, feed and garden items to consumers, said the notice, which was released Monday.
The project also is expected to serve as a model for future hemp-processing facilities in other agricultural communities.
The company plans to adapt existing agricultural buildings and use local employees as it expands, officials said.
According to an agreement with the EDC, E3 has committed to at least $2 million in capital investment and 20 full-time- positions within five years of receiving its certificate of occupancy.
The project’s goal is to “put processing closer to the field” while giving rural communities more opportunities to take part in manufacturing products from crops grown locally.
