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Louisiana Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Program

The Louisiana Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Program was created by Act 462 of the 2022 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session. Its purpose is to support the growth and development of the industrial hemp industry in Louisiana by enhancing research, education, promotion, facilities, and industrial hemp-related activities throughout the state.

Louisiana Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Advisory Board

The Louisiana Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Advisory Board was created within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry by Act 462 of the 2022 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session.

The board consists of 15 members, each appointed by a specific authority:

  1. One member who is engaged in the production of industrial hemp or industrial hemp seed appointed by the Louisiana farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
  2. One member appointed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
  3. One member appointed by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
  4. One member appointed by the speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
  5. One member appointed by the president of the Louisiana Senate.
  6. One member appointed by the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.
  7. One member appointed by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.
  8. One member appointed by the commissioner who is a licensed grower of industrial hemp.
  9. One member appointed by the commissioner who is a licensed processor of industrial hemp.
  10. One member appointed by the commissioner who is a consumer of industrial hemp.
  11. One member appointed by the commissioner who is representative of the Louisiana industrial hemp industry.
  12. One member appointed by the Louisiana Black Farmers Cannabis and Hemp Association.
  13. One member appointed by the Morehouse Parish Black Farmers and Landowners Association.
  14. One member appointed by the Louisiana Cannabis Association.
  15. One member appointed by the Gulf South Hemp Association.

Additionally, the commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry or their designee shall serve as an ex officio member in an advisory capacity only.

The board shall advise the commissioner on the development and maintenance of the Louisiana Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Program, maintain a permanent record of its proceedings, and submit an annual report of its activities to the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development by January 31 of each year.     

The board may provide information to the governmental entities upon requests on subjects of concern to the industrial hemp industry and, collaborate with the state or federal government on the development and administration of the program, cooperate with any local, state, regional, or national organization or agency engaged in activities consistent with the objective so the program, and make recommendations to the House and Senate committees on agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and rural development on legislation relative to the regulation of industrial hemp.

The Commissioner may adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to administer the program and enter into contracts or other agreements to accomplish any authorized purpose, including advertising, education, marketing, promotion, research, or services.

Funding

The commissioner may accept and expend monies from any source, including gifts, contributions, donations, state appropriations, and federal grants, and may accept and use services from individuals, corporations, and governmental entities.

Funds made available to the commissioner include, but are not limited to the following uses:

  1. To attract additional business associated with the industrial hemp industry to Louisiana, including processors.
  2. To develop and promote Louisiana industrial hemp brands or marketing campaigns.
  3. To aid in the development of a coordinated research plan designed to develop higher quality industrial hemp seeds and plants best suited for cultivation within the state, new and improved uses for industrial hemp, and best management practices.
  4. To develop education programs and disseminated educational materials about industrial hemp.
  5. To support the enhancement and maintenance of public-use industrial hemp facilities, specifically those used for the purpose of promotion and research.
  6. To promote activities, facilities, events, and the needs of the Louisiana hemp industry.
  7. To contract for scientific research with accredited postsecondary education institutions, or similar educational institutions, and industrial hemp licensees authorized to conduct industrial hemp research under the Industrial Hemp Law that will assist in carrying out the purpose of the program, including industrial hemp best management practices.

Meetings

The board shall meet at least twice a year and may meet at other times on the call of the chairman or any four members.

Upcoming meeting:

  • Legislative Education & Public Relations Subcommittee: Thursday, May 4 @ 9:30 AM

Past meetings:

Contact Us

For questions or additional information, please email industrialhemp@ldaf.state.la.us.

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