Title
Agriculture Department recommending the Board receive an update on the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program and provide direction on whether to let the pilot program expire as stated or to extend it.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Industrial Hemp Pilot program was approved by your Board on November 1, 2022, Legistar file 22-1529, to include five or less producers. The Hemp Best Management Practices for cultivation of Industrial Hemp was passed on March 21, 2023, Legistar file 23-0276. The department has not received any applications for the entire duration of the hemp pilot program.
According to Section 130.43.110 of the Ordinance, no licenses for industrial hemp will be issued on or after January 1, 2025 unless extended by the Board of Supervisors. The Department is seeking direction from the Board on whether to let the pilot program expire as stated or to extend it.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to extend the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program or have the department return to the Board with other recommendations.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
June 23, 2020 (Legistar file 20-0468)
September 22, 2020 (Legistar file 20-1181)
December 15, 2020 (Legistar file 21-0045)
May 18, 2021 (Legistar file 21-0540)
October 13, 2021 (Legistar file 21-1623)
December 7, 2021 (Legistar file 21-1516)
September 13, 2022 (Legistar file 22-1528)
September 20, 2022 (Legistar file 22-1707)
November 1, 2022 (Legistar file 22-1529) Pilot Program approved
March 21, 2023 (Legistar file 23-0276) Industrial Hemp Cultivation Best Management practices approved
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Sheriff’s Department, and Planning and Building
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Receive update as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. If extended, the funding for the Agriculture Department would be a deposit from the hemp producer for time and materials costs.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
LeeAnne Mila (530) 621-5520