2018 was a historic year for New Mexico’s agriculture industry. The federal government passed the Farm Bill, categorizing industrial hemp as an “agricultural commodity” and legalizing its production. Since then, numerous farmers across the state have shifted their operations, eager to get in on the action and invest in the growing 4.71 billion dollar industry.
In just a few years, the hemp market is expected to reach a size of 26.6 billion dollars. Now is a great time to begin planting hemp seeds on your New Mexico farm and become involved in the industry.
But before you get started, you’ll need to obtain a license (or multiple licenses) from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
Steps for Obtaining a License in New Mexico to Grow CBD Seeds & Clones
New Mexico’s process for obtaining a hemp license is a little more complicated than other states, but not by much. The most important part is figuring out what licenses you need. Once you have this information, you can follow the rest of the steps fairly easily and successfully become a licensed hemp farmer. Here’s how to get started.
- Identify what license you need. In New Mexico, the licenses for growing hemp year round and growing hemp seasonally are different. Furthermore, if you want to process the harvested hemp, you will need to obtain a separate license from the New Mexico Environment Department. All growers are also required to have a Nursery Plant License.
- Get a background check. You can obtain a state background check from the Department of Public Safety.
- Obtain the registration forms online. Whether you are applying for a Continuous or Annual production license, you will need to go online, download the forms and complete them by either printing them or entering your information digitally.
- Complete the necessary forms. On the application forms, provide your contact information, business information, hemp varieties you intend to plant, and information regarding your growing area.
- Submit the forms. If you have not already, you will need to download and print the forms. Then, mail them or deliver them in personal to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. This address can be found on the forms themselves.
- Apply for a Nursery License. Complete the forms for the Plant Protection License and submit them by mail or in person.
- Complete an Additional Growing Area form (if necessary). You only need to complete this if you intend to have more than one growing site.
Buy Hemp Seeds for your New Mexico Farm
Listing the varieties of hemp you intend to cultivate is part of the process of obtaining hemp licensure in New Mexico. This means you need to buy seeds or clones before you apply, or at least be aware of what varieties you intend to plant. This is something that we can help with. Call CBD Seed Co. today to place an order for hemp seeds or clones for your New Mexico farm.