The 2020 hemp growing application period is now open in New Jersey. Applications for potential growers and processors of hemp are now available on the ag department’s website.

There is a $50 nonrefundable application fee for both the grower and processor applications. There is also a $300, plus $15-per-acre, participation fee per growing address.

New Jersey was one of the first three states to have its hemp plan approved by USDA in late December. Ohio and Louisiana’s hemp plans also received federal approval.

“We are pleased that New Jersey is among the initial states in the country that can offer the opportunity to grow hemp,” says Gov. Phil Murphy. “This can be another economic benefit to our agricultural community and we believe our proximity to several major metro areas is one of the reasons the Garden State is attractive to new business.” 

“There has been considerable interest in this crop from both growers and processors,” says Doug Fisher, ag secretary. “There is a long list of products that can be made with hemp and we expect to be a leader in cultivating, processing and selling products that are derived from hemp.”

There are more than 25,000 reported uses for industrial hemp products globally, according to a 2018 Congressional Research Service report. Hemp is grown mainly for seed production — food products, culinary oils, soaps, lotions, cosmetics — or fiber production.

Hemp is also grown to produce cannabidiol oil (CBD) extracted from resins produced largely in its flowers. CBD is used as a health supplement with purported health benefits including pain relief, inflammation and more.

New Jersey hemp legislation at the state-level was signed into law by Murphy on Aug. 9, after which followed the process of New Jersey filing for USDA approval.

The Division of Plant Industry will be responsible for inspecting hemp-growing facilities and testing hemp varieties to ensure that the THC content is within the limits set by USDA. The manufacturing of products for human and animal consumption derived from hemp remains the purview of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Source: New Jersey Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.