The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has issued its first round of hemp licenses and seed permits for the 2020 growing season.

As of April 22, there were 11 hemp licenses and 38 seed permits specific to hemp approved, since it became legal to possess hemp in Iowa on April 8. License applications for outdoor hemp crops will be accepted until May 15. There is no deadline to apply for a license for indoor hemp crops.

“The introduction of hemp brings Iowa farmers another cash crop option for the 2020 growing season,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “As with any new market, there are lessons to learn and challenges to overcome, but we continue to hear from farmers who are excited for this new opportunity. Farmers are advised to do their research and confirm there is a viable, profitable market for commercial hemp production before they make an investment in seed and equipment.”

Applying for hemp license  

A list of licensed hemp growers and seed distributors is posted on the state ag department’s hemp website at iowaagriculture.gov/hemp to help connect buyers and sellers in this new market. The approved lists for the 2020 growing season will be updated every Monday.

Detailed instructions on how to apply for a hemp license are available at the state's hemp website. All individuals associated with the hemp production operation must be listed on the hemp license application and must submit their fingerprints for a background check. Interested growers can request a fingerprint card at 515-725-1470 or at [email protected]. A license cannot be issued until all applicants associated with the hemp license pass the background check.

Permit to sell seed

Before selling, distributing, advertising, soliciting orders, offering, or exposing hemp seed for sale in Iowa, a retailer must obtain a seed permit from the Iowa Department of Agriculture. Seed dealers can apply for a seed permit now. Detailed information about hemp seed testing and labeling requirements are available at the state’s hemp website.

All questions about applying for a hemp license or seed permit should be directed to [email protected] or 515-725-1470. Additional resources for hemp growers are available at state’s hemp website.

This commercial hemp production program does not legalize the use of cannabidiol for human consumption, extraction or processing in Iowa. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is still working to determine if CBD is safe for human consumption. Hemp grain, hemp seed oil and protein powder derived from hemp grain have been cleared by the FDA for human consumption.

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