Miami-Dade Commission approves measure to investigate potential hemp production

Image by Niksy from Pixabay.

The Miami-Dade County Commission approved a measure Wednesday that could put the county on the path to beginning the production of industrial hemp.

That measure was sponsored by Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, who is also running for County Mayor in 2020.

“Hemp production represents a new industrial revolution in Florida, and we need to make sure Miami-Dade and our farmers are ready to see the full economic benefit,” Levine Cava said.

“I am proud that we have taken the first step today. I’m committed to working with our Ag. industry, local businesses and research partners to grow our local economy as our county continues to lead on agricultural innovation.”

In late June, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill (SB 1020) that creates a state hemp program under the Department of Agriculture. The department would be responsible for regulations governing licensing for that program.

Levine Cava’s measure directs county officials to organize informational sessions on how to apply for the program, with the goal of allowing Miami-Dade farmers to begin growing the crop.

“We are excited about the enormous potential of hemp to help our farmers diversify their current production — and the wider impact on our local economy, since industrial hemp has so many applications,” said Jorge Abreu, Executive Director of the Dade County Farm Bureau.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried has said the first hemp seeds could be planted by the end of 2019.