By Samantha Lewis

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the state's hemp growing program, which will grow from 20 farmers in 2018 to more than 265 farmers by 2021. The program will change at each growing season as laws change at the federal and state levels.

If the federal government approves the hemp plan for the state of South Carolina in April 2020, the program will receive new regulatory stability, which SCDA intends to continue until 2021. The authorities now have six full-time staff working on hemp regulations and there are a paper application and a print-out. Farmers can apply online or by calling (888) 743-5555 or in person at the Department of Agriculture in Greenville.

As it can take several weeks for farmers to obtain an FSA farm number and background check, applicants should review the requirements and start the process as soon as possible.