The Georgia Hemp Farming Act, effective October 1, ushers in a new era for hemp growers and processors. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, the act imposes strict regulations on the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp across the state. Under Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), all aspects of hemp production—including growing, testing, packaging, and retail—are regulated by the …
USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Hurricane Debby
(USDA/WASHINGTON, August 7, 2024) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by Hurricane Debby, which continues its track up the East Coast. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to producers and …
Bill Could Help Black Farmers in Florida Get Pot Licenses
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE,FL/May 9, 2023) — Black farmers who didn’t make the cut last year could have another opportunity to vie for medical-marijuana licenses, under a bill approved by lawmakers in the final days of the 2023 legislative session. The bill, which awaits a decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is part of years-long efforts aimed at giving Black farmers an entry into …
Florida Draws Challenges Over Pot License
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/ Oct. 18, 2022) — Weeks after state health officials selected a Suwannee County man to receive a long-awaited medical marijuana license earmarked for a Black farmer, applicants who lost out on joining Florida’s growing cannabis industry are challenging the decision. The Florida Department of Health on Sept. 21 announced it had issued an “intent to approve” a medical-marijuana …
Alabama Industrial Hemp License Application Available
Alabama’s hemp growers now have a new option. The state’s hemp growers, processors/handlers and universities may now apply for an industrial hemp license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Applications will only be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System. The application period began Tuesday, October 11 and the final day to apply for an industrial hemp license is …
2023 Hemp Applications Now Being Accepted in Alabama
Alabama hemp growers, processors/handlers and universities can now apply for an industrial hemp license from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). Applications are now being accepted online only through the Kelly Registration System. In 2016, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 Code of Alabama 1975, tasking ADAI with the development of a licensing and inspection …
Florida Ag Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian May be Eligible for Emergency Conservation Program Assistance
Agricultural producers who suffered severe damage from Hurricane Ian, may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). But, to be eligible, USDA approval is required before producers can begin repair efforts. Deborah Tannebaum, State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Florida, explained to Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman what land is …
Florida Commissioner Nikki Fried Shares USDA Disaster Assistance Programs for Agricultural Producers, Urges Early Reporting of Losses
(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/Sep 30, 2022) — In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is sharing important resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist Florida agricultural producers who suffered losses due to the storm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by Hurricane Ian that USDA has multiple programs to provide assistance in the wake of …
Florida on Alert as Hurricane Ian Threatens
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 26, 2022) — Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to be aware of local evacuation orders as Hurricane Ian is expected to strengthen into a “major” storm in the eastern Gulf of Mexico as early as Tuesday. DeSantis said during a media briefing just before noon Monday that Ian will bring heavy rain, strong winds, flash flooding, storm surges …
House Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing on Hemp
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research held a hearing Thursday to get a closer look at USDA’s Hemp Production Program in preparation for the 2023 Farm Bill. Subcommittee chair Stacey Plaskett explained some of the history of hemp regulations in her opening statement. “Until recently, the hemp industry was outlawed due to restrictions put in place by …