Growing Hemp in Florida

Industrial hemp – the Cannabis sativa plant used in topical oils (CBD) and for fiber and grain crops – could be the newest crop for Florida farmers, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

Researchers now have approval to develop hemp management and cropping systems. This includes identifying hemp varieties that can withstand environmental, ecological and economic threats, and studying the risk of any hemp plants becoming invasive threats to the environment.

Florida has an advantage in growing season and markets compared to other states with industrial hemp projects. “Industrial hemp could be a valuable and impactful alternative crop for Florida,” says Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “This research program will partner with industry groups and stakeholders to assess the breakeven point for farmers and the commercialization opportunities for industry.”

There's been a "deluge of questions and enthusiasm from our stakeholders," says Dr. Zack Brym of TREC in Homestead, one of the research locations for production trials. "'When can I get started?'" is one of the most popular ones. "We're trying to get the work done as quickly as possible."

Among the challenges: the amount of daylight hemp needs to grow, 13½ to 14½ hours a day. "That doesn't ever happen here in Florida," he says. And hemp "doesn't like to get its feet wet."

The office will schedule workshops and field days in the summer once there are plants to see. For now, they are directing those with questions about growing hemp to their website. In the meantime, they point out that hemp is still illegal to grow in Florida without a permit, adding that a recent statement by the USDA declares their “intention to issue regulations in the fall of 2019 to accommodate the 2020 planting season.”

Brym says they're ready to face the hurdles. "I can state the challeges. I also share the enthusiasm with the industry," he says. "We’re committed to make this work."

Florida also has a new Cannabis Director, Holly Bell, appointed by new agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried. “Holly was instrumental in helping start up Tennessee's industrial hemp program, where she heard from farmers who needed an alternative for the future,” Fried noted in a news release. “Holly's experience in finance and knowledge of managing programs make her a bold choice – and the right choice – to help build the future of cannabis in Florida.”

For More About Growing Hemp

The University of Florida Industrial Hemp Pilot Project – Overview of the program and contacts in a PDF.
UF/IFAS Website on Industrial Hemp – Resources, contacts and documents online.