Applications for Growing, Processing Hemp See Big Jump in WI

State ag officials say nearly 2,100 individuals have
applied to grow or process industrial hemp this year, which is a major increase
from 2018 Applications and renewals by last year’s program participants were
due by March 1^st – and to date, 1,405 have applied to grow industrial
hemp. Of those, 1,244 would be first-time growers. 692 hemp processor
applications have been received, with 636 of those first-time applicants. In
2018 – 247 grower licenses and 100 processors licenses were issued. The state’s
industrial hemp program grew out of 2017 legislation that allowed growing and
processing of industrial hemp in Wisconsin. A one-time license and annual
registration with the Department of Ag is required when licensees intend to
grow or process hemp.