Time to dust off your tractor, Alabama. Hemp farming is hot and it’s ripe for the harvesting! This summer we will be seeing the first crops being harvested in our state. This is so huge for the farmers, extractors and the end users who want a local crop for their raw material.
Hemp farming and cultivation is nothing new in fact China has been growing hemp for nearly 8,000 years. Only in the USA have we been missing out on the countless opportunities and medicinal benefits. Fuel, clothing, paper, rope, medicine, plastics, construction + over 25,000 other products. We have seen this crop in such a dim light for so long that people even question the worth of its existence. “If it’s so great than why don’t we grow it everywhere?” Hemp has been rampant across the globe for centuries!
Applications are being approved and farmers in Alabama around getting ready to plant their first round of seed. Who knows how this will go at first but I’ve heard from farmers it’s truly a lot like ‘a’ weed so here’s to hoping it loves heat, an occasional drought and even more heat + humidity.
Bare with Alabama as they embark on a whole new journey with what might be the most valuable crop of the century. Here’s to hoping it’s a smooth transition as the American politicians remove their heads from their well, you know.;)
Here’s some helpful links:
Industrial Hemp Alabama Pilot Program
http://agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp—home—w-o
Pilot Applications
http://agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp—home—w-o/program-applications-w-o
Status of Hemp Program
http://agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp—home—w-o/status-of-program-w-o
INDUSTRIAL HEMP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
The applications are designed to provide sufficient instructions for completion by any individual who would be prepared to participate in the industrial hemp research pilot program. The applications include a broad understanding of the program, but applicants should read the regulations for complete details. The regulations can be found under “Resources” on the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) website industrial hemp program page.
Please make sure to fully review all application instructions and regulations prior to contacting hemp staff with questions. All applicants for grower and processor permits, including university researchers, should fully understand the administrative regulations.
ADAI is not in the position to offer direct consultation on completing a license application or to educate individuals about the production of industrial hemp.
All costs associated with the research are the responsibility of the license holder, including both profits and loss. There are no sources of funding from ADAI to cover any aspect of research projects. Potential applicants should understand that at the present time it is likely that they may suffer a loss on the industrial hemp crop. Limited production knowledge combined with an uncertain federal regulatory environment and unstable pricing creates significant risk for the participant. The focus of this program is the collection of research data and learning through experience. Applicants should understand that there is an inherent risk associated with participation in a research program focusing on a new crop. The program participant bears sole responsibility for financial or other losses that may result from participation in ADAI’s industrial hemp research pilot program. ADAI is not responsible for reimbursing or compensating program participants for any loss resulting from their involvement with ADAI’s program, and program participants waive any right to seek compensation for the value of such losses. Reference – Alabama Department of Agriculture http://agi.alabama.gov/home
