For Immediate Release January 12, 2007
Hemp Growers License Applications Available
BISMARCK – Applications for licenses to grow industrial hemp are now available from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA).
“Prospective growers can write or call the department or go online at www.agdepartment.com and click on ‘Hot Topics’ for an application form,” Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson said Wednesday.
“We urge all producers who intend to raise industrial hemp this year to begin the application process as soon as possible.”
The department address is 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 602, Bismarck, ND 58505-0020; the telephone number is (701) 328-2231, and the e-mail address is ndda@nd.gov.
Johnson said North Dakota is the first state to license industrial hemp growers.
“Our Legislature has passed numerous bills with strong, bipartisan support to make it possible for North Dakota farmers to grow this potentially valuable crop,” Johnson said. “Our regulations, which become effective this month, require licensed industrial hemp farmers to submit to criminal background checks and fingerprinting. They must also provide satellite coordinates that identify the locations of industrial hemp fields. These regulations apply to everyone who owns, operates or works at a hemp farm or who grows, handles or processes industrial hemp.”
Johnson said that in addition to the application form, prospective growers must also obtain an official fingerprint card from NDDA. The card is not available online.
“The fingerprinting must be administered by local law enforcement officials,” Johnson said. “When the application forms and fingerprint cards are completed, they must be returned to NDDA with the required fees.”
The state charges two fees: $52 to cover the cost for fingerprinting and criminal background checks, and a $5-per-acre grower’s fee (minimum $150). The fees are nonrefundable.
Once approved by North Dakota authorities, the licenses will be forwarded to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for final approval.
“It is up to the DEA to register the license holder,” Johnson said. “If registration is withheld or denied, the license holder cannot grow the crop.
Johnson has asked the DEA to waive its registration fees for individual growers.
“We still have not heard back from DEA,” he said. “But in the meantime, a prospective grower must have a North Dakota license in hand before applying for DEA registration.”