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Missouri State Senator supports industrial hemp bill

The Missouri Senate Agriculture Committee took testimony Monday on legislation to create an industrial hemp pilot program in the state.  The bill is sponsored by Missouri Senate Agriculture Chair Brian Munzlinger.

“Currently there are 34 states that have approved, through legislation, the production of industrial hemp,” said Senator Munzlinger, during the committee hearing Monday.  “Right now, there are 19 states producing industrial hemp.”

Munzlinger’s bill would allow farmers licensed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture to grow, cultivate and market industrial hemp.  Central Missouri soybean farmer Dan Erdel testified that it provides farmers with an alternative crop.

“I know that industrial hemp would be a very good substitute,” Erdel testified, “it not only has wildlife benefits, it also has soil protection and nutrient benefits.”

Erdel says the net profit for industrial hemp is $600 per acre, after expenses.  Munzlinger calls industrial hemp “one of the oldest crops known to man.”

“The Constitution, the U.S. Constitution was printed on hemp paper,” said Munzlinger.  “Original paper money was on hemp paper because of its durability of the fibers that are in that .”

Under Munzlinger’s bill, applicants would undergo a criminal history background check.  The Missouri House passed a similar bill last year, but it died in the full Senate.  The national leader in industrial hemp production is Kentucky.