From the Pritzker Administration comes this first in my memory order for farmers to pay state government to raise an open field crop:

GOVERNOR PRITZKER AND IDOA ANNOUNCE AVAILABILITY OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP APPLICATIONS

Applications can be found on the IDOA website

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is now accepting applications for both growers and processors of industrial hemp. The applications can be found on the IDOA website homepage or by clicking on the Plants tab and going to Industrial Hemp.

Both growers and processers can apply as a business entity or an individual. Applications will be taken online, and applicants can pay the application fee with a credit card. The application fee is $100. License and registration fees are below:

	1-year	2-year	3-year
Grower license	$375	$700	$1,000
Processor registration	$375	$700	$1,000

There has been interest from growers and processors all over the State of Illinois. The Department is ready to review and process the applications as they are received.

“As governor, I will ensure Illinois remains at the forefront of what it means to be a 21st century agricultural economy,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Industrial hemp is a potentially billion-dollar industry that Illinois will now take part in. From farming and processing to sales and exports, this will have a massive impact on our state’s economy.”

“Since the passage of the Industrial Hemp Act last year, no single issue has generated more interest at the IL Department of Ag (IDOA) from Illinois farmers, individuals and business owners than the growing and processing of industrial hemp,” said John Sullivan, Director IDOA.

“Our staff has worked diligently to answer questions, complete the rule making process and provide a user-friendly application process—all in time to plant hemp this growing season. We are excited to watch this industry grow and provide job creation opportunities.”