Minnesota farmers and businesses looking to grow or process hemp for the 2020 season must apply for a license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture by March 31.
“We believe in the potential of the developing industry,” said Whitney Place, assistant agriculture commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in a news release. “We want to ensure that everyone who would like to grow and process hemp in Minnesota is able to do so. They simply need to apply by March 31.”
To apply for a license, go to the state ag’s website, www.mda.state.mn.us/industrialhemp. Applicants must register their specific growing and processing locations and pay the annual fee. First-time applicants also need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.
This is the fifth year of hemp production for the North Star State, and it will continue to operate under its pilot program.
In 2019, 550 people received licenses to grow or process hemp and they planted more than 7,300 acres and 400,000 indoor square feet of hemp.
