April 27 marked the two-year anniversary that Florida’s hemp program overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). That’s when the agency began to accept applications to grow industrial hemp following formal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). FDACS manages and regulates Florida’s hemp program and permit kitchens that make edible cannabis products, under the state’s medical marijuana program.
“FDACS is proud to support our budding Florida hemp industry and it’s thousands of producers, processors and retailers as they work every day to meet consumer needs amid increasing demand for the many safe and sustainable products that can be produced with hemp,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.
According to FDACS, within the program’s first year, hemp in Florida created an estimated $370 million economic impact, supported over 9,000 jobs, and generated more than $17 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. There are currently 761 active hemp cultivation licenses, 945 cultivation sites and 19,523 of approved acres across 64 of Florida’s 67 counties.
Most recently, the Commissioner’s 2021-2022 Legislative Budget Request included a $4.6 million request for the state hemp program and hemp related issues.
More information about growing hemp in Florida may be found at the FDACS Office of Cannabis website.
Source: FDACS
