STAUNTON — After Augusta County supervisors downplayed the importance of a local hemp study and refused to provide $2,500 in funding, Staunton stepped in and pledged the full $5,000 needed to move forward.

"It's an important new industry for the Valley," Councilwoman Brenda Mead said. "I think it's an important diversification crop for our farmers."

Except for Waynesboro, which has zero hemp farmers, all of the Shenandoah Valley localities near Augusta County pledged varying amounts toward the James Madison University study. But the project needed $5,000 more in order to apply for a matched grant before the end of month deadline, and Augusta County and Staunton were the last two interested localities.

Each locality waited until the last possible meeting to see what the other would do.

Council members hoped to split the $5,000 with the county. Council voted unanimously on Thursday to approve the entire contribution.

This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Subscribe to get access to in-depth, local news.

Augusta County supervisors unanimously voted on Wednesday to not provide any amount. The supervisors said they wanted private entities to contribute instead of just local governments.

North River Supervisor Jeff Slaven, a farmer, said he wondered if other studies had been done elsewhere that would make this one redundant. He also thought Virginia Tech would be better equipped to do the study.

Are you a hemp farmer? Let us know your thoughts about this study. Email Claire Mitzel and Laura Peters at cmitzel@newsleader.com and lpeters@newsleader.com.

The study will look at impacts and opportunities for industrial hemp in the region.

JMU has been researching hemp since state law allowed for it. A 2015 state law let the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services establish an industrial hemp research program directly managed by higher education institutes. JMU entered into an agreement with the state in 2015, the same year as Virginia Tech.

Augusta County has 21 hemp fields, which is the most in the region, according to the project application. Staunton has two fields. Rockbridge County has the largest acreage dedicated to hemp.

More:Staunton City Council rejects councilwoman's bid for Second Amendment sanctuary meeting

Please share questions, comments and story ideas. Email me at cmitzel@newsleader.com or follow me on Twitter @c_mitzel.