FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky farmers and processors can now apply to be part of Kentucky’s growing industrial hemp research pilot program.
The office of Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said Monday that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture has opened the application window for the 2019 season, which will be the pilot’s sixth year.
“I am proud to report that our program participants grew more than 6,700 acres of hemp this year, the most ever under the industrial hemp research program,” Quarles said in a statement. “The exponential growth in our program year to year demonstrates the excitement and optimism about the industry. At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we will continue to strengthen our research pilot program to put industrial hemp on a responsible path toward commercialization.”
The pilot program has grown over the years. Compared with this year’s 6,700 acres, only 33 acres were grown in the 2014 inaugural season.
Applications may be found here. Grower applications are due Nov. 30. Processor applications are due by June 3, 2019.
