Kentucky’s emergent industrial hemp growers and processors can now apply to be part of the Commonwealth’s fourth year of research pilot programs run by the state Department of Agriculture.
“The pilot research program will continue to build on the successes of the previous administration by developing research data on industrial hemp production, processing, manufacturing and marketing for Kentucky growers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “KDA’s objective is to expand and strengthen Kentucky’s research pilot program, so that if the federal government chooses to remove industrial hemp from the list of controlled substances, Kentucky’s growers and farmers will be positioned to thrive, prosper and ultimately prevail as national leaders in industrial hemp production.”
Those interested in being part of the program have until Nov. 14 to submit an application, which can be found at www.kyagr.com/hemp. The program, authorized under the 2014 federal farm bill, has expanded each year, with more than 2,300 acres planted this year up from slightly more than 900 acres in 2015 and only 33 acres in the inaugural 2014 season.
This year the program is charging a nonrefundable $50 application fee, which it says will cover administrative and testing costs for the growing program. A separate program fee will be assessed from successful applicants: $350 for growers, while processors will pay $400 or $1,000 depending on the size of the operation. Other fees, including THC testing, may apply.
The program is also instituting GPS tracking of all hemp plots in an effort to work with local and state police enforcement efforts.