Industrial hemp once was a major fiber crop in Missouri, but production declined due to competition from other crops and increasing regulation of cannabis. The federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970 made it illegal to produce any form of the cannabis plant. However, recent changes in federal and state laws have created renewed interest in growing hemp for fiber, grain and CBD oil.
A news release says producers who want to grow industrial hemp in Missouri must submit a written application and parcel maps to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Application forms will be available after December 16 at agriculture.mo.gov/plants/industrial-hemp.
MU Extension field specialist in agronomy Dhruba Dhakal suggests interested persons review MDA guidelines and create the required parcel maps before then. Growers also must complete a criminal history fingerprint background check within 30 days of the application. MDA will begin accepting applications on January 2, 2020.
MU Extension agronomist Greg Luce and agricultural economist Joe Horner are scheduled to talk about growing industrial hemp and crop enterprise budgets during presentations at Marshall and Carrollton.
· December 19, 2-5:30 p.m. MU Extension Center in Marshall. Call (660) 886-6908 to register.
· January 29, 2020, 1-4:30 p.m. MU Extension Center in Carrollton. Call (660) 542-1792 to register.