The public comment period for Missouri’s proposed rules to implement the industrial hemp pilot program closes tomorrow. Missouri’s Department of Agriculture (DOA) published proposed rules for the industrial hemp agricultural pilot program. Missouri enacted the Industrial Hemp Act on August 28, 2018 under which the DOA is directed to establish a registration framework for the cultivation and handling of industrial hemp. Under current hemp CBD regulations, the DOA is authorized to approve only 2 non-profit growers and processors that make hemp extract. The new rules remove the license cap and offer new opportunity to grow out the hemp industry in the state.
The proposed rules establish requirements for the registration of industrial hemp growers and handlers. The proposed registration fee for growers, handlers, processors of fiber or leaf and/or floral material component, and agricultural hemp seed production is $500. Growers pay an additional $45 per acre to be planter, and a $45 per acre renewal fee for the second and third year of registration. Processors of CBD oil will pay $3,000. Hemp registrations are effective for a three year period, which is different from other states that require an annual renewal. Applicants will also need to submit a $100 application fee.
Interested individuals may submit written comments to the following address. The DOA will not hold a public hearing.
Missouri Department of Agriculture, ATTN: John Brunnert, PO Box 630, 1616 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov/proposed-rules/.