Montana Hemp Growers Establish Checkoff; Applications Sought for Committee

Helena, MT – Montana hemp growers have voted to establish a 1% checkoff for hemp, making Montana the first state in the nation to establish a hemp checkoff. Checkoff funds are used to fund activities related to research, market development and education.

“I believe there is a high ceiling for the future of hemp in Montana, but we won’t be able to get there without investing in research, marketing and education,” said Ben Thomas, MDA Director. “It’s great to see Montana hemp growers’ willingness to look towards the future, and we are excited to work together to move things forward.”

The Department is also seeking qualified applicants to serve on the Montana Hemp Advisory Committee. The Committee is responsible for advising the Department on funding priorities as they relate to research, marketing and education. The application deadline is May 15, 2020.

Those interested in serving on the committee can find an application by visiting https://agr.mt.gov/Portals/ 168/Documents/Boards/Director's%20Application%20Hemp.pdf. Applications can be submitted to MDA via:

• Email at: [email protected]

• Mail at: Montana Department of Agriculture, Hemp Advisory Committee, 302 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59601.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit http://www.agr.mt.gov.