New York State Accepting Applications for Growing and Processing Industrial Hemp

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is accepting applications to grow and process industrial hemp under the new Industrial Hemp Law that was signed into law by Governor Cuomo on July 12, 2017. More information on the Industrial Hemp Law can be found in New York State Expands Opportunities for Industrial Hemp Production and Processing.

The industrial hemp program has two distinct application/registration processes: one for growers and one for processors of industrial hemp. Applications to grow industrial hemp during the 2018 growing season under New York's Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program will be accepted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets only until November 22, 2017. However, Industrial Hemp Processor Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis. An Industrial Hemp Processor Registration is required for those processors and handlers using industrial hemp grown in the United States and plants, plant parts or industrial hemp derived substances subject to regulation as a controlled substance under New York State or federal law. Empire State Development grants are still available to both growers and processors.

If you would like advice or assistance on applying for an Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program growing permit or an Industrial Hemp Processor Registration, applying for an Empire State Development grant, or navigating the laws and regulations applicable to industrial hemp in New York, please contact us.