MADISON (NBC 26) -- The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has announced Hemp License Applications are now open for the 2020 growing season.
Those looking to grow and already have a license from 2018 or 2019 must renew their license in the department's system by March 1, 2020. Current licensees must also have paid all sampling fees from the 2019 growing season and submitted their 2019 final production report before their 2020 license will be issued.
As of Thursday, Nov. 1 the department is accepting new applications for the 2020 growing season throughout the year. There are several steps in the new applicant's process before they can start growing or process hemp.
State law requires all growers and processors of hemp to pass a background check with no state or federal drug convictions.
Growers pay a one-time licensing fee of $150 to $1,000, depending on how many acres they intend to plant. Processors also need a one-time license, at no cost.
Growers must also develop a research plan, sign a research agreement, meet other reporting and record-keeping requirements and pay to have their crops sampled for THC levels. Hemp varieties that test higher than 0.3% total THC are considered illegal by state and federal law enforcement and will be required to be destroyed by DATCP.
The annual registration fee is $350 for growers and $100 for processors. These fees cover a portion of the cost of administering the program.
DATCP will not issue licenses until the application is complete and payment is received. Learn more here.
Brown County Extension adds that the new USDA regulations will not be effective for the 2020 growing season. DATCP has until October 2020 to submit new state program changes and details for the USDA to review.
