Producers interested in growing industrial hemp will soon find the needed applications on-line. The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced how producers can apply for a registration to grow industrial hemp in Missouri during the 2020 growing season. Interested producers must complete a written application, create parcel maps and complete a fingerprint criminal history background check within 30 days of submitting their application.
Starting Dec. 16, 2019, producers will be able to find the final fillable application and Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number required to complete the background check on the Department’s website. The Department will begin accepting producer registration applications for review on Jan. 2, 2020.
The Department will finalize rules for the 2020 growing season guided by the authority granted by Missouri Senate Bill 133 and an extension of the 2014 Farm Bill. Together, these laws legalized regulated production and distribution of industrial hemp, removed hemp acreage limits in Missouri, and created the following framework for the registrations and permits:
Producer Registration: Authorizes a person to cultivate industrial hemp in Missouri. These persons are authorized to sell their harvested, nonviable products once they are confirmed to have an acceptable hemp THC level.
Agricultural Hemp Transplant and Seed Permit: Authorizes a person to sell, distribute, or offer for sale any viable industrial hemp in Missouri, including propagules (transplants, cuttings, clones, seedlings, etc.) or seed.
