Attorney Jimmy Kirkland gave a presentation on “HEMP: New Opportunities & New Risks” to members of the Environmental Bankers Association’s Risk Management Committee. Kirkland’s presentation discussed the history of hemp production, its many uses and the regulatory requirements.  Lenders, consultants, and gatekeepers were informed of both the risks and opportunities associated with this new agricultural commodity, and issues for collateral protection and compliance with banking laws were brought to light. 
 
The Environmental Bankers Association is a non-profit trade association that represents the financial services industry, including bank and non-bank financial institutions, insurers, and those who provide services to them. Its members include lending institutions, property and casualty and life insurers, the environmental consulting and appraisal community, and attorneys.
 
Jimmy Kirkland is a veteran environmental litigation attorney in Womble’s Atlanta office. Before entering private practice, Kirkland served as a principal environmental engineer and manager for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (EPD). At EPD, he had experience in air and hazardous waste permitting, inspection and enforcement prior to creating and managing EPD’s 24-hour emergency response team and setting up and managing EPD’s Right to Know Program.