MIAMI-DADE – The Board of County Commissioners Health Care and County Operations Committee voted unanimously on July 17 to move forward legislation supporting the start of hemp production in Miami-Dade County, positioning South Florida to lead on this booming new agricultural sector.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava helps kick-start industrial hemp production in Miami-Dade CountyThe resolution, sponsored by County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, directs the administration to support Florida’s industrial hemp program by hosting informational sessions on the process for growers to begin cultivation, and to prepare a report on local opportunities for hemp production in partnership with research and educational institutions.
Hemp is forecast to become a $20 billion industry in the U.S. in the next three years alone, and has nearly limitless industrial applications – everything from food to clothing and cosmetics.
“Hemp production represents a new industrial revolution in Florida, and we need to make sure Miami-Dade and our farmers are ready to see the full economic benefit,” said Commissioner Levine Cava. “I am proud that we have taken the first step today. I’m committed to working with our Ag industry, local businesses and research partners to grow our local economy as our county continues to lead on agricultural innovation.”
“We are excited about the enormous potential of hemp to help our farmers diversify their current production – and the wider impact on our local economy, since industrial hemp has so many applications,” said Jorge Abreu, Executive Director of the Dade County Farm Bureau.
