Gov. Kemp signs Georgia hemp bill into law
On May 10, 2019 Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill legalizing hemp production in Georgia. The bill signing took place at the Corbett Country Corner in Lake Park Georgia where bill sponsor John Corbett is from.
Georgia becomes the 42nd state to legalize hemp farming.
“Certainly signing the industrial hemp act is going to give out famers— help diversify our ag economy. I certainly appreciate Representative John Corbett’s leadership on that. So, it’s an exciting day down here,” said Kemp.
“Move over sweet potato, here comes hemp,” said Dee-Dee Hider, a hemp production advocate. Hider works in Hemp Production across the country, and was one of many people that came out to see the governor sign the Georgia Hemp Farming Act.
Allowing hemp farming in Georgia is a positive step forward but the state will face challenges due to excessive licensing fees mandated in the bill. Processors who want to work with hemp must pay a $25,000 annual license fee and growers will pay $50 per acre with a maximum of $5,000, the highest fee per 100 acres of any state. We are hopeful that the legislature can amend this soon to level the playing field for Georgia hemp farmers and businesses.