New York State announced an open solicitation for individuals and businesses interested in growing or processing industrial hemp to further grow the industrial hemp industry in New York State.

As part of the State's Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, the Department of Agriculture and Markets is now accepting applications for growers and processors of industrial hemp.

The department is also accepting applications for the processing of industrial hemp as it relates to cannabidiol (CBD). Applications can focus on research into the benefits and risks of CBD use for wellness purposes and to gauge its effectiveness. Applications related to human and animal food will not be considered at this time.

The applications and additional information, including the Department’s CBD Research Partner Agreement, can be found at www.agriculture.ny.gov/PI/PIHome.html.

The open solicitation ends Dec. 28.

Any questions must be submitted in writing to industrialhempNYS@agriculture.ny.gov; all answers will be posted on the Department’s website under the FAQ section.

Hemp is a growing commodity for states across the nation, as both the stalk and seed from hemp can be used in the production of a variety of goods, including clothing, building materials, fuel, paper, and consumer products.

Industrial hemp is defined by .3 percent THC or less, and nationally, industrial hemp products generate nearly $600 million per year in sales, the release said. This year, with the addition of more than 100 new research partners, approximately 3,500 acres of New York farmland are approved for industrial hemp research, compared to 2,000 acres in 2017. The New York State Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program now has over 29 processors registered.

Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program in 2015.

In addition, the department continues to accept applications on a rolling basis for future research partners in the areas of grain and fiber.