Industrial hemp licensing applications open for 2019 growing season

Site staff by Site Contributor

Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced that industrial hemp licensing applications and registrations are available for the 2019 growing season in Wisconsin.

The research pilot program requires individuals who want to grow or process industrial hemp to obtain a license from DATCP. Industrial hemp can contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive ingredient present in marijuana.

Officials said people who received licenses this year do not need a new license, but will need to register if they grow or process hemp in 2019.

“We had a great response from growers for the first season this year,” said Brian Kuhn, director of the department’s Bureau of Plant Industry. “We licensed about 240 growers and 100 processors. Ultimately, about 135 growers reported actually plant[ing] a crop. As you might remember, we had a very cold, rainy spring, which made planting conditions difficult. Despite that, growers planted about 1,850 acres in fields and almost 23 acres total in greenhouses.”

Growers and processors are required to pass a background check. Growers pay $150 to $1,000 for a one-time license depending on how many acres they intend to plant.

Processors can get a one-time license at no cost. The annual registration fee is $350 for growers and $100 for processors.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 31. Individuals can apply for licenses and register online or through printable forms at datcp.wi.gov.

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