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Application Available for 2019 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program

South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Sally McKay; 803-734-2196; smckay@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 1, 2018

Application Available for 2019 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Industrial Hemp Pilot Program could double in size during its second year, and applications for the 2019 program are available on the SC Department of Agriculture (SCDA) website (https://agriculture.sc.gov).

SCDA will select up to 40 farmers to receive permits to grow industrial hemp.  Those farmers who receive permits will each be allowed to grow up to 40 acres of the crop.  The 2018 pilot program allowed 20 farmers to grow up to 20 acres of industrial hemp.

“Expanding the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program will give us a greater opportunity to assess where and how this crop grows best in South Carolina,” said Hugh Weathers, SC Commissioner of Agriculture.  “Ultimately, industrial hemp is about crop diversity and new business for our rural farmers.”

To qualify for a permit, applicants must:

  • be a South Carolina resident;
  • pass a state and federal background check administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division;
  • have a signed letter of intent with an industrial hemp manufacturer/processor;
  • have a signed letter of intent with a qualifying college or university; and
  • submit GPS coordinates for the land where industrial hemp will be grown.

Completed applications for the 2019 program must be completed and postmarked by Friday, June 29.

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Application Available for 2019 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program Press Release

 

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