The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved Florida’s state hemp program and today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) began accepting applications from farmers seeking to grow industrial hemp.
A 2018 federal farm bill legalized hemp as an agricultural product after decades of debate about the issue. Industrial hemp can be used in numerous products and is different from euphoria-causing marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law. Florida lawmakers in 2019 passed a bill to take advantage of the federal farm law, creating a program to regulate cultivation of hemp.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The state plan then needed federal approval, which came earlier this month, clearing the way for Florida growers to begin cultivating hemp.
In a statement, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said: “After months of incorporating feedback from the public, growers, and industry stakeholders, we are thrilled that Florida’s hemp industry officially begins now. By working closely with our farmers, processors, retailers, and consumers, Florida’s state hemp program will become a model for the nation, will set a gold standard for this emerging industry, and will create billions in economic opportunity for Florida.”
FDACS is accepting applications to grow industrial hemp online at FDACS.gov/Cannabis.
FDACS Launches Hemp Grow Permit Application Portal
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the state’s online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal, allowing interested growers to apply for licenses. The portal’s user-friendly interface provides applicants with a checklist of recommended steps to allow for a quick and easy application process.
“As we continue building our state hemp program into a national leader, our new online application portal will help growers quickly and easily apply for hemp cultivation licenses, as well as manage, renew, and view any current hemp applications,” shared Commissioner Nikki Fried. “We’re working to ensure that applying for a license is streamlined and simple, so Floridians interested in growing hemp can quickly get started.”
The online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal can be accessed at Hemp.FDACS.gov, or on the FDACS hemp webpage. The page also contains a link to an application checklist, so interested growers have the necessary information for a quick, easy application process.
For updates and more information on the state hemp program, visit the FDACS hemp webpage or sign up for the FDACS hemp mailing list.