By Jamie Martin
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is set to accept Hemp Farming Permit applications for the 2025 season starting Jan. 1. Farmers interested in cultivating hemp in South Carolina must apply online by Feb. 28, 2025.
To qualify, applicants must complete a background check via IdentoGO and provide a Farm Service Agency (FSA) number.
Only South Carolina residents are eligible, and permits are required to be renewed annually. No paper applications are accepted; submissions must be made through agriculture.sc.gov/hemp.
The application process includes a $100 fee, with an additional $500 due upon approval. A late application window from March 1 to March 8 will allow submissions with a $500 non-refundable late fee, in addition to the regular permit fee.
Jon Hubbert, Iowa NRCS State Conservationist, noted the importance of accuracy, saying, “Submitted applications with missing or incorrect information may lead to delays and additional fees. Proper documentation is essential for timely processing.”
Lease agreements must be notarized, recorded with the county Register of Deeds, and included in the application.
Incomplete applications by Feb. 28 must pay the late fee for further consideration. Missing information beyond March 8 will disqualify applications.
For full details, visit agriculture.sc.gov/hemp or email hempstaff@scda.sc.gov.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: National