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Michigan offers hemp pilot program signup

Farmers interested in growing industrial hemp as part of a pilot program in Michigan this season will have four opportunities to sign up in April.

Gina Alessandri with the Michigan Department of Agriculture tells Brownfield farmers have to be registered as growers with the department, enrolled in the pilot program and sign the state’s research agreement to plant industrial hemp in 2019.

“We recognize that the season is upon us and we’re going to need to get people in compliance as quickly as we can.”  

She says there is no limit to the number of licenses the department will be issuing or the number of acres.  

“They’re going to make sure they have a market for their crop before they actually even plant it.  That’s been highly recommended.”

On-site licensing events will be held at Michigan State University’s Livestock Pavilion April 23, 24, 29 and 30th.  Alessandri recommends calling ahead to reserve a spot for quicker processing.

She says the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is handling the growing of recreational and medical marijuana in Michigan.