By Katie Nichols
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.— Hemp applications are available from Oct. 12 through Nov. 29. for those wishing to become a grower or a processor/handler for the 2022 growing season.
Applications will be accepted online through the Kelly Registration System (KRS). The application is available through the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) at agi.alabama.gov/hempapp. Applications should be completed and submitted by Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. Industrial hemp licenses are available to growers, processors/handlers and universities.
Applications
Full applications, including supporting documents, must be complete before the Nov. 29 deadline to receive approval consideration. Seasoned and new growers alike must complete annual applications.
Katelyn Kesheimer, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System entomologist and member of the hemp action team, anticipates the number of growers in Alabama will hold steady.
“Grower numbers are holding steady, but we are starting to see a decrease in licensed acres,” Kesheimer said. “I think this is for a couple of reasons. One, there is a surplus of material on the market right now, and growers are struggling to find legitimate buyers. The prices for CBD hemp have dropped dramatically, which is making growers question how much time and money they are willing to invest.”
Additionally, she said growers are facing an uphill battle with pest management in the Alabama climate. Many insects and diseases can be yield-limiting in hemp and are difficult to control.
“Overall, there has been a decrease in the numbers of acres both in Alabama and the United States.,” she said.
Find more information about the Alabama Industrial Hemp Program on the Alabama Extension website.
Background Check and Farm Number
Applicants and any key participants of a partnership seeking a hemp license must submit a current background check within 60 days of application. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (334-353-4340) completes these background checks. The background check application can be found online. Growers must submit these reports no later than 14 days after the Nov. 29 deadline.
Growers are still required to turn in a farm number for the farm where the hemp is grown. Growers can obtain a farm number from the local FSA office.
Informational Meetings
Alabama Extension is partnering with the ADAI to hold informational meetings for growers, beginning January 2022. In previous years, ADAI held one meeting in Montgomery for all licensed growers. In 2022, ADAI and Alabama Extension will hold several regional meetings to make it easier for growers to attend.
Gail Ellis of ADAI will cover rules and regulations for licensed growers. Extension personnel will provide informational materials and management strategies for hemp. Personnel will announce meeting times at a later date. Check the Alabama Extension and ADAI websites for available dates.
More Information
Prior to completing the application, growers should read all rules and regulations regarding hemp production and handling. ADAI does not offer assistance with completing hemp grower applications and cannot offer guidance to individuals on production aspects of hemp.
County Extension offices can provide growers with the names of personnel who can assist with hemp production questions. Growers may also visit the Alabama Industrial Hemp Program webpage for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Growers will find resources, as well as personnel contacts.
