Hemp Growing Applications Due Thursday

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is taking applications for farmers and processors who would like to participate in industrial hemp pilot projects next year.

The first round of pilot projects this year was a big success, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said.

The year’s first round of pilot projects provided a large amount of data about production methods, seed varieties, harvesting and processing techniques and uses for harvested hemp.

Now Comer said he wants the data from a wider scope of pilot projects and they are adding more to help prepare for eventual commercial hemp production.

The application is available at www.kyagr.com/hemp and can be completed electronically and emailed to doris.hamilton@ky.gov. The application can also be printed out, completed and mailed to the department.

The application deadline is Thursday, January 1.