Missouri Dept of Ag sets benchmark for hemp

Missouri Dept of Ag sets benchmark for hemp

Thursday morning, the Missouri Department of Agriculture held a press availability to review a press release sent out Wednesday evening.

The release details the state’s plans to move forward with the industrial hemp program without the oversight or rules of the USDA.

“Missouri will operate under the extension and, as a result, will not submit an official state plan to USDA for the 2020 growing season. Producers interested in commenting on USDA’s Interim Final Rule can do so by visiting USDA’s website.”

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.

Registration or permits will be valid for three years, but will be subject to yearly fees. The application fee is $750 per application. To maintain the registration or permit, persons must submit an annual fee of $750 per registration or permit.

Only one application is needed per parcel but any break in contiguous land would be considered separate and would require additional fees and permits.

Updated emergency rules will be issued at the same time as, or prior to, the release of applications on December 16, and will include adjustments and changes made after the public comment period closed Nov 30.

   

At this time the state does not have definitive finalized rules as to which facilities and what licensure will be accepted to perform batch testing for hemp in accordance with Missouri law.

Expect to see testing rules issued, possibly as separate emergency rules, within the next 2 weeks.

At this time it is expected that Missouri will still require hemp to be decarboxylated and tested for total THC during testing, one of the primary areas of concern for Missouri farmers and associations, that brought Missouri’s hemp leaders together to oppose federal oversight by the USDA.