What to Know About Alaska’s Hemp Pilot Program

Alaska has unique circumstances when it comes to cultivating industrial hemp. Alaska’s hemp regulatory program was completely defunded last year when Governor Mike Dunleavy pulled the program’s $375,000 funding. He stated that he decided to pull the funding because “currently there is no existing industry to support a state-funded program”. So, what does this mean for farmers that are interested in growing this newly federally-legalized crop? Here’s what you need to know about the current state of their hemp pilot program.

Alaska’s Hemp Pilot Program in 2020

While many argue that the application and registration fees would have paid for the program, the funding remains pulled. With the state’s Division of Agriculture layoff of more than half of its staff, the Department of Natural Resources’ Plant Material Center closed two of their greenhouses since there weren’t enough employees to take care of the plants. Most of the hemp crops grown at the center have since been destroyed. Without its own regulatory program, Alaska farmers will be subject to federal regulations that should be ready this fall. The Alaska Division of Agriculture has also decided to take all 2020 registrant applications online due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Farmers, processors, and retailers were able to start applying for registration back in April. Officially, Alaska’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program will continue to operate under the 2014 Farm Bill pilot program rules until federal regulations are in place this fall.

Work with Alaska’s Trusted CBD Seed Provider

CBD Seed Co. is honored to be the CBD seed provider serving the state of Alaska. With limited guidance provided by your state government, we’re happy to extend our resources and help local farmers succeed. Our team is always available to answer any questions you have regarding the Alaskan hemp program. For more information regarding CBD seed for your farm, please contact us!