AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama specialty crop producers interested in growing hemp in 2022 can now apply during the enrollment period.
Hemp applications are available 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 completed before the Nov. 29 deadline to receive consideration for approval. Applications must be completed by new and experienced growers.
Katelyn Kesheimer, 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.”
Find more information about the Alabama Industrial Hemp Program on the Alabama Extension website.