The Illinois Department of Agriculture received more than 360 applications to grow and process industrial hemp in the first two days applications were accepted.

 

Ag director John Sullivan said in a news release Wednesday afternoon that he was “pleased” with the outcome, but not surprised, since there had been an “incredible amount” of interest from potential hemp growers and processors during the last several months.

 

The department received 295 grower applications and 74 processor applications. Of the grower applications, 97 licenses and registrations have been issued, and 29 licenses to process hemp were given out.

 

The applications have been available since 9 a.m. Tuesday.

 

“We predicted there would be a lot of interest, but the turnout has been phenomenal,” said Jeff Cox, bureau chief of medicinal plants at the Illinois Department of Agriculture.“I’m thrilled with how smoothly the application process has gone so far, and our staff has been working non-stop to review and approve the applications.”

 

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