HOWELL CO. – Howell County MU Extension Center will host a free industrial hemp production workshop in West Plains, MO. Speakers from Missouri Department of Agriculture and MU will present an overview of regulations, how to apply to grow industrial hemp, agronomic practices, and budgeting.
Recent changes in federal and state laws have created renewed interest in growing hemp for fiber, grain, and CBD oil, says MU Extension field specialist in agronomy Sarah Kenyon. Industrial hemp was once a major fiber crop in Missouri, but production declined due to competition from other crops and increasing regulation of cannabis. The federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970 made it illegal to produce any form of the cannabis plant.
Producers who want to grow industrial hemp in Missouri must submit a written application and parcel maps to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Growers also must complete a criminal history fingerprint background check within 30 days of application. The MDA will begin accepting applications Jan. 2, 2020. Application forms are available at agriculture.mo.gov/plants/industrial-hemp.
Kenyon says that interested individuals should attend this workshop to learn more.
This free workshop will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Howell County MU Extension Center 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains, MO 65775. To register for a workshop, contact Howell County MU Extension Center at 417-256-2391 or howellco.missouri.edu.
