Wisconsin citizens interested in farming industrial hemp can begin applying to grow the crop under the state’s pilot program unanimously approved by lawmakers in November. Applicants will need to include on the forms their intentions for cultivating the crop.
“We know that many Wisconsin farmers see a great opportunity here,” “As we’ve been telling them all along, they need to remember that this is a research pilot program. Growers really need to know before planting that they have a licensed processor in position to accept their crop. They need to be aware of all the federal, state and local laws that might apply, and they need to talk to their lenders before they order seed.” – Brian Kuhn, director of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Bureau of Plant Industry, in a press release
Under the law, farmers will pay a one-time licensing fee of $150-$1,000 depending on how many acres the intend to grow, but the initial licenses for processors carry no cost. Renewal fees for cultivators run $350 and $100 for processors. According to the agency, the rules in place are similar to pilot programs in the other 31 states with hemp programs, including capping THC content at 0.3 percent, in line with federal definitions.
Applications are open immediately, the deadline is May 1.