KILLEEN, TX — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced on Wednesday that the State of Texas issued its first industrial hemp license to a Killeen farmer this week, according to KVUE.
The industrial hemp license allows for one year of growing the product for farmers, and comes after Congress passed the Farm Bill in 2018.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the commercial production of hemp and authorized states to submit state plans to administer hemp programs.
On June 10, 2019, House Bill 1325, was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. The bill authorizes the production, manufacture, retail sale, and inspection of industrial hemp crops and products in Texas.
This also includes products for consumable hemp products which contain cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other edible parts of the hemp plant.
“Let’s face it, Texas farmers and ranchers needed some good news,” Miller said. “I am happy that I can be the one to deliver it. I know Texas farmers have been eagerly waiting for a chance at these hemp licenses and now the wait is over.”
For more information on how to apply for an industrial hemp license, go to Texas Department of Agriculture's website.
