Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried joined key Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) officials to host the first public hemp rulemaking workshop at Broward College in Pembroke Pines. “The upcoming state hemp program marks a new industrial revolution — after 80 years of stalled progress, we can finally put hemp to work for farmers, entrepreneurs and consumers here …
Industrial Hemp Growing in Florida for First Time in Decades
University of Florida pilot project plants seeds for new Florida crop GAINESVILLE, Fla. (UF/IFAS) — The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) industrial hemp pilot project has passed a critical milestone towards understanding the potential of growing hemp throughout Florida. Hemp plants have been planted at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead Florida …
Meet Holly Bell, Florida’s Cannabis Czar
Ever since Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried appointed Holly Bell in February as the first director of cannabis for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, people have been curious about Bell’s background. Raised on an Indiana farm, Bell has been working in the cannabis industry for a number of years. She received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics …
Commissioner Fried Statement to Congress on Cannabis Industry & Small Businesses
Tallahassee, Fla. (FDACS) – The U.S. House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on opportunities for small businesses within the cannabis industry. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried submitted a statement to committee chairwoman U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez for entry into the Congressional Record. Below is the statement in full, which can also be viewed on Twitter. Statement of the Honorable Nicole “Nikki” FriedU.S. House Committee …
Fried Rallies Support for Hemp Industry
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Friday encouraged supporters of a new state hemp industry to tell Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign a bill that would lead to a regulatory framework for the crop. Fried said an envisioned hemp “revolution” needs the governor’s signature on the bill (SB 1020), which would create a hemp program within the Department …
Florida Commercial Hemp Production Not Yet Approved
By Karla Arboleda and Abbey Taylor Industrial hemp could be the next cash crop in Florida. However, there are many details to complete and hoops to jump through before growers can get their hands on the hemp. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hemp Pilot Program strives to give growers the answers they need regarding …
Hemp Research: ‘A Lot of Different Moving Pieces’
An update on industrial hemp research in Florida filled most of the auditorium at the Everglades Research and Education Center near Belle Glade on May 16. Zack Brym, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor from Homestead, reviewed the latest information and answered questions from those attending in person and via webinar. Brym reviewed the progress …
Lawmakers Try to Set Stage for Hemp Industry
Moving quickly after the passage of a federal law, the Florida Legislature on Friday gave final approval to a bill aimed at creating an industrial-hemp industry in the state. Senators voted 39-0 to pass the bill (SB 1020), after the House approved it in a 112-1 vote Wednesday. The bill is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The state …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida Hemp Bill Passage
The Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1020, establishing a state hemp program within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The historic vote comes after the 2018 federal Farm Bill removed prohibitions on industrial hemp in place since 1937 and authorized states to create hemp programs. Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried, a noted advocate for hemp, cannabis, and medical marijuana, offered the following statement: “Today’s …
Lawmakers Look to Hemp as New Industry While Vegetable Gardens Head to House Floor
With supporters pointing to the potential of a new industry, a House committee Thursday approved a plan for regulating production of hemp. The bill (HB 333), approved by the House State Affairs Committee, would create a regulatory framework that would be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is led by Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a …