Kentucky’s hemp program steadily growing

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s hemp program keeps growing.

The department says it has approved 225 applications from growers to cultivate up to 12,018 acres of industrial hemp for research purposes in 2018 and more than 681,000 square feet of greenhouse space were approved for indoor growers in 2018.

The department says it received a total of 257 applications – 243 grower applications and 14 processor/handler applications. Additionally, 43 participants renewed multi-year processor licenses.

Applicants this year will focus on different components of the plant to use for floral material, grain or seeds, and fiber.

In 2017, 209 growers were approved to plant up to 12,800 acres of industrial hemp. In 2017, program participants planted the highest number of acres on record at more than 3,200 acres. The 2017 planting acreage was up from 2,350 acres in 2016, 922 acres in 2015, and 33 acres in 2014.

For the second time in program history, the department says anyone denied entry into the industrial hemp research pilot program will have an opportunity to make their case to a three-person administrative panel.