Pennsylvania seeks farmers to trial industrial hemp

In Pennsylvania, the state’s department of agriculture has opened up an application period through Jan. 6 for farmers interested in farming industrial hemp. Only 30 growers will be approved, individuals or research institutions, on a maximum of five acres. Some are concerned that the costs to participate are too high and will keep would-be farmers from the project. The state is charging a $250 application fee in addition to a $3,000 admin fee for each research project on top of $100 per hour when inspectors come to check on the plots, plus testing fees that will range between $15 and $200.