Grow Hemp in Arkansas
1) What does the Hemp Pilot Program mean for Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is conducting a Hemp Research Licensing Program (Program) as authorized by state and federal laws. No person shall grow, handle, broker, or process hemp in Arkansas without first obtaining a license issued by the Department. The Program will continue to operate under federal 2014 Farm Bill guidelines for the 2021 grow season, as permitted by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, ratified into federal law on October 1, 2020.
2) What should I consider before planting hemp?
The hemp marketplace is still in its infancy. Supply chains are still developing, hemp varieties are unpredictable, and many regulatory issues remain unresolved at the federal level. Market options for fiber and grain are limited, and prices for floral material have drastically declined. Before you do anything, please assess your financial risk before entering the industry.
The Department asks farmers to really consider the financial risk before entering the industrial hemp industry. “Don’t plant more than you can afford to lose!”
3) How to I acquire a Hemp Growing License in Arkansas?
Individuals and businesses who would like to be considered for a license to grow, handle, process, market, or store hemp must submit the appropriate license application to the Department Hemp Program. For more information about licensing applications, please visit the Applications for Hemp Licensing tab.