Commissioner Rick Pate announced the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has licensed 152 growers, 59 processors and 5 universities to grow, cultivate, process, and research industrial hemp in 2019.

“We have had a significant interest in the Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program from potential growers and processors since the availability of applications was announced in January,” Commissioner Pate said. “The approval of applications and execution of license agreements is complete, and we are in the next phase of the program.  We are encouraged after our initial meetings with the approved growers and processors that the first year of the pilot program will provide opportunities for the agriculture industry in Alabama.”  

“I want to commend the members of the ADAI staff who have gone above and beyond to make this program possible in Alabama. It is never easy to start a program from scratch, but our staff is committed to make this program work, giving farmers in Alabama an opportunity to diversify and grow an alternative crop,” Commissioner Pate said.

Individuals and businesses must be licensed by the ADAI to grow or process industrial hemp in Alabama. Under laws passed by the Alabama Legislature and the United States Congress, it is unlawful to possess any raw or unprocessed hemp, hemp plants, or hemp seed without a license from the ADAI.

The Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program is coordinated by the department’s Plant Industry section. For more information and to view the hemp program regulations, visit http://agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp—home—w-o.