On April 18, 2019 – Governor Whitmer launched an Ag pilot program for farmers interested in farming hemp this year. Under the 2014 Farm Bill, this program is meant for research purposes.
“Michigan is uniquely positioned to grow, process and manufacture industrial hemp. We are one of the nation’s most agriculturally diverse states – growing 300 different commodities on a commercial basis – making it a natural fit,” said Whitmer. “This emerging crop not only cultivates new opportunity for our farming community, but it also creates an avenue for new businesses to crop up across the state.”
Those interested should start the application process at The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
MDARD will be holding a series of licensing events at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education in Lansing. These meetings will serve to facilitate expedited issuance of required licenses and research agreements during the following times:
Tuesday, April 23 8:30 am – 11:45 am, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wednesday, April 24 8:30 am – 11:45 am, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Monday, April 29 8:30 am – 11:45 am, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, April 30 8:30 am – 11:45 am, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Forms for a grower registration, a processor-handler license, and participation in MDARD’s 2019 Hemp Ag Pilot Program are now available online. The department will begin accepting applications on April 23, 2019. Grower registration costs $100 and a processor-handler license cost $1,350.
“Michigan’s pilot program allows our farmers to explore the production and processing for hemp to determine whether or not this is a financially viable crop for them,” said Gary McDowell, MDARD Director. “It also helps pave the way for Michigan growers as we move toward a permanent licensing program next year to identify and expand value-added hemp processing and new market prospects.”
