Immediately following Gov. Mike DeWine signing Senate Bill 57 into law, the Ohio Department of Agriculture began working on rules for growing industrial hemp in the Buckeye State.

One of the first steps in setting policies for the new crop was a request from ODA to the state’s controlling board for $12 million to build hemp testing labs and fill those labs with specialists and technicians to test hemp plants before
processing them for market.

The governor said he is unsure just how many farmers would decide to plant the crop in 2020 and beyond, saying that it will all hinge on a free market system.

“This is a decision that farmers will have to make, like any crop they grow, based on what they think is in their best interests, if they think they can grow it and if they think they can sell it,” DeWine said.

Over the coming months, guidelines laid out by ODA will go through the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) process to ensure the recommended rules do not exceed the rule-making authority granted to them by the General Assembly, which may take up to six months.

Look for an in-depth look at the hemp industry in neighboring Kentucky and read about the agronomics of the crop in the next Our Ohio magazine.

(Editor’s Note: The Ohio Department of Agriculture Hemp Program will begin accepting license applications from potential cultivators and processors for the 2020 growing season on March 3 at noon. All cultivators and processors are required to obtain a license and can apply online at www.agri.ohio.gov
at that time.)

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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