Federal agencies are continuing to work on filing a new regulatory process for hemp products. In the meantime, state departments of agriculture officials are asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a clear regulatory framework for hemp products as quickly as possible. The ag departments sent a series of comments to the FDA, saying that they have an …
Georgia Hemp Production Update
We are hearing more and more about hemp production and what is taking place in various states. In Georgia, the “Hemp Farming Act” requires the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to promulgate rules regulating hemp growers and processors in the state and submit its plan to USDA for approval. According to the GDA, they are currently in the process of …
Alabama Hemp Pilot Program Underway
Back in April, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) announced they had licensed 152 growers, 59 processors, and 5 universities to grow, cultivate, process, and research industrial hemp. This effort came after a 2018 federal law legalized industrial hemp as an agricultural product. ADAI Deputy Commissioner Hassey Brooks, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman their pilot hemp program is …
Florida Governor Signs Hemp Bill
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been busy signing various bills the past few days, one of those being SB 1020. This bill creates the state hemp program that will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The program will regulate cultivation of hemp, addressing issues such as the licensing of growers. According to the News Service …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida Hemp Bill Signed Into Law
Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – SB 1020, the state hemp legislation was signed into law. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “Tonight’s hemp bill signing marks a transformation in Florida, and a critical step on the journey to creating a green industrial revolution, strengthening agriculture with an alternative crop of the future, and expanding access to safe, quality CBD …
Final Hemp Rulemaking Workshop Held in North Florida
Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried joined key Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services officials to host the third public hemp rulemaking workshop at the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee. Today’s workshop was the third and final in a series of three events which took place in South, Central, and North Florida designed to ensure anyone interested in …
State Officials Prepare for Hemp Industry
With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis facing a deadline this week to act on the hemp bill, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services held a final public workshop Monday as it prepares to carry out a measure that would lead to a state hemp program. The bill (SB 1020) would require the department to create a regulatory framework to …
Second Hemp Rulemaking Workshop Held in Central Florida
Tampa, Fla. (FDACS) — Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried joined key Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services officials to host the second public hemp rulemaking workshop at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. “The goal of these workshops is to hear from the public on the coming state hemp program — to create a successful and inclusive program, it’s essential …
Commissioner Fried Hosts First Hemp Rulemaking Workshop in South Florida
Pembroke Pines, Fla. (FDACS) –Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried joined key Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) officials to host the first public hemp rulemaking workshop at Broward College in Pembroke Pines. “The upcoming state hemp program marks a new industrial revolution — after eighty years of stalled progress, we can finally put hemp to work for farmers, entrepreneurs, …
Commissioner Fried Statement to Congress on Cannabis Industry & Small Businesses
Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – The U.S. House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on opportunities for small businesses within the cannabis industry. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried submitted a statement to committee chairwoman U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez for entry into the Congressional Record. Below is the statement in full, which can also be viewed on Twitter. Statement of the Honorable Nicole “Nikki” FriedU.S. House Committee …