6 questions about hemp in Missouri

6 questions about hemp in Missouri

 

Around the state universities began planting hemp as far back as July – in accordance with the newly passed, and signed, omnibus agriculture bill.

But for Missouri’s Department of Agriculture it has taken time, and considerable effort, to change the direction of the intended Hemp Pilot Program and redirect to the newly redefined Industrial Hemp Program.

Greenway spoke to Sami Jo Freeman, Public Information Administrator for Missouri Department of Agriculture recently to get a head start on Missouri’s new program.

 

Can you give me a crash course in what farmers need to know?

On August 28, 2019, Missouri transitioned from a pilot program to a commercially regulated program. All states are waiting on guidance from USDA as they transition from the 2014 Farm Bill to the 2018 Farm Bill laws. All states will need to submit a state plan to USDA as well. In the meantime, Missouri is drafting regulations that will amend our existing regulations. Those interested in growing hemp will need to have the appropriate registration and/or permits to legally grow hemp in Missouri.

Other background items for your information: crop insurance options (USDA RMA) and weed control systems (EPA) will be determined by federal agencies. This will be important for many farmers before moving forward.

 

What is considered industrial hemp?

Industrial hemp is;

  1. All nonseed parts and varieties of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, growing or not, that contain an average delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration that does not exceed three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis or the maximum concentration allowed under federal law, whichever is greater;
  2. Any Cannabis sativa L. seed that is part of a growing crop, retained by a grower for future planting, or used for processing into or use as agricultural hemp seed;
  3. “Industrial hemp” includes industrial hemp commodities and products and topical or ingestible animal and consumer products derived from industrial hemp with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis

 

   

What is a timeline for applications?

We anticipate an application being made available in late Fall of this year. We want to see USDA’s regulations before we finalize an application.

  1. The applicant must be a Missouri resident or the entity must be domiciled in Missouri; and
  2. The registered location cannot be within a residence; and
  3. The applicant must pass an FBI fingerprint background check; and
  4. The applicant must not have been found guilty of, or pled guilty to, a felony offense under any state or federal law regarding the possession, distribution, manufacturing, cultivation, or use of a controlled substance in the ten (10) year immediately preceding the application date.

 

What is the expected time to implement the new hemp program?

We can’t fully project the implementation of the program until we have guidance from USDA, but we are committed to a late Fall 2019 application and 2020 growing season.

 

Does Missouri have any forecast data for the hemp industry?
No, the Department of Agriculture doesn’t maintain data like that for any crops.

 

Do you have a list of fees, risks, or need to know info for Missouri farmers curious about hemp?

  • Persons planning to grow industrial hemp will need a valid Producer Registration from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Persons planning to sell seed or propagules (transplants, cuttings, or clones) will need a valid Agricultural Hemp Propagule and Seed Permit from the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
  • Producer Registration: Authorizes a person who is a Missouri resident, or an entity that is domiciled in this state, to cultivate industrial hemp.
  • Agricultural Hemp Propagule and Seed Permit: Authorizes a permit holder to sell, distribute, or offer for sale any viable agricultural hemp propagule or agricultural hemp seed to registered producers or other permit holders.
  • If a person plans to cultivate industrial hemp in multiple, noncontiguous locations they will need multiple registrations.
  • Dependent upon a person’s activities they may need a registration and/or permit.
  • Registration Only: A person with a Producer Registration may grow viable industrial hemp.
  • Both Registration and Permit: A person with a Producer Registration may grow industrial hemp. If they also sell, distribute, or offer for sale any viable agricultural hemp seed or propagules they will also need a Permit.
  • Permit Only: If a person only sells, distributes, or offers for sale viable agricultural hemp seed or propagules they will need a Permit, but not a Registration.
  • The Missouri Department of Agriculture will establish fees in rule to cover the costs of administering the program. Additionally, other entities may charge fees for services necessary to comply with the industrial hemp law. There will be fees associated with FBI criminal history background checks and independent laboratory analysis.
  • Permits and registrations will be valid for 3 years from time of issuance. Annual fees will be required to maintain a valid registration and/or permit.
  • What happens if the industrial hemp tests greater than the legal limit of 0.3% delta-9 THC? By definition, the plants are no longer considered industrial hemp. Crop destruction and penalties may result.

What resources are offered by MOAG for farmers or residents interested in learning about hemp?
We have several resources posted online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov/plants/industrial-hemp/.