Applications Open For 2021 Industrial Hemp Season In Alabama

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has begun accepting hemp applications from eligible growers and processors/handlers, using a new online application system starting. The final day to apply for a hemp license is Nov. 30 by 5 p.m. (CST).

In 2016, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 Code of Alabama 1975, tasking ADAI with the development of a licensing and inspection program for the production of industrial hemp. The program launched in 2019, after The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (i.e. Farm Bill) declassified hemp as a schedule I drug and deemed hemp as an agriculture commodity. This legislation defines hemp as all parts of the plant containing less than 0.3% THC, including derivatives, extracts, and cannabinoids.

“As the hemp industry continues to grow in Alabama, critical research data is being collected and evaluated,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “This is the department’s third year to administer the hemp program. It has always been our goal to manage the program in a fair and timely manner to benefit Alabama farmers and hemp producers and develop industrial hemp as an alternative crop.”

The 2021 university/college affiliation license application information will be forthcoming before the first week in November 2020.

For more information and updates, visit agi.alabama.gov/hempapp.

ADAI will receive industrial hemp applications until 5 p.m. (CST) on Nov. 30, 2020.

Listening Sessions

Extension professionals will be offering three in-person sessions for those who need assistance with application completion.

“The sessions will be hybrid sessions with a limited number of people allowed to attend in person,” she said. “Others will be able to join on Zoom. Registration is free, but attendees must complete registration so attendees can choose to attend in-person or on Zoom.”

A representative from ADAI will also be present to answer questions regarding grower applications.

Thursday, Nov. 5 North Alabama Hemp Roundtable – Register. 9 – 11 a.m. Camp Meadowbrook 2344 County Road 747 Cullman, Alabama 35058 Max attendees: 30

Friday, Nov. 13 Central Alabama Hemp Roundtable – Register. 9 – 11 a.m. Richard Beard Building 1445 Federal Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36107 Max attendees: 30

Friday, Nov. 20 South Alabama Hemp Roundtable – Register. 9 – 11 a.m. Wiregrass Research and Extension Center 167 AL-134 Headland, Alabama 36345 Max attendees: 33

For more information on these sessions, visit https://www.aces.edu/.