Horse Racing

Discover Florida: Demand For Hemp Horse Bedding Add Power To State’s Newest Agricultural Commodity


The following sponsored article is from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nicole “Nikki” Fried, Commissioner.

In June 2019, Florida’s hemp legislation was signed into law. Agriculture Commissioner Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried, who oversees the state’s long-awaited program through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following statement:

“The state hemp bill marks a transformation in Florida, and a critical step on the journey to creating a green industrial revolution, strengthening agriculture with an alternative crop of the future, and expanding access to safe, quality CBD products.

Through the Department of Agriculture we will be developing state rules regulations and gathering public input as we hit the ground running to build a state hemp program.”

Following passage of Florida’s hemp law, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Domestic Hemp Production Program in October 2020. The long-awaited rules and regulations followed the reclassification of hemp as an agricultural commodity codified in the 2018 Federal Farm Bill. The program gave Florida the green light to submit its plans to the USDA to begin regulating hemp cultivation and production.

“For those excited to take advantage of this alternative crop, the USDA’s rules came as welcome news to many of Florida’s farmers”, said Commissioner Fried. “We will continue to work closely with federal and state officials as we build our state program into a model for the nation, setting a gold standard for this emerging industry, potentially creating billions in economic opportunity for Florida.”

With over 25,000 uses, including environmentally safe farm products, biocomposite industrial materials and medical products, industrial hemp has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the coming decade, both in Florida and nationwide.

For those unfamiliar with industrial hemp (IH), it is a Cannabis sativa plant containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The multiple uses of hemp include fiber, grain, and products for human and animal consumption, the production of essential oils, horse and livestock bedding to name a few.

Although hemp is a cannabis plant, the type of hemp used for animal and livestock products, including hemp bedding, is known as industrial hemp. With an almost non-existent THC content, it differs from the marijuana plant. Industrial hemp is also used for hundreds of commercial and industrial applications.

Although hemp horse bedding has been used in Europe for over 30 years, the product, although currently distributed and used privately in the United States, has not yet been sanctioned by major horse and livestock organizations, including professional groups that primarily represent riders and horses in competition.

According to the American Hemp Company and other websites promoting hemp products, horse bedding can provide many positive benefits including:

  • Comfort and softness
  • Freedom from chemicals
  • Increased absorbency
  • Helping to trap ammonia and unwanted odors
  • Less spreading of urine spots
  • Biodegradable and all-natural components
  • Faster decomposition and less acidity
  • Less dust
  • Fly control

“We have received numerous inquiries about hemp horse bedding from across the state since passage of the Florida Hemp law,” said Jacquie Basha, who oversees horse industry relations for the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Marketing and Development. “Questions come from horse riders, trainers, owners, feed stores, barn managers, professional associations, potential hemp processors, small animal owners and veterinarians.”

There is also interest within the veterinary community in Florida and in other states.  Several major university research and education centers are currently developing studies and pilot projects to test both the effects of horse hemp bedding and CBD products on domestic animals, including dogs and cats, small pets, horses, cattle and other livestock.

“As home to over 750,000 horses, the Florida equine community is proceeding with caution,” added Basha. “There is definitely a consensus among interested stakeholders to explore hemp products as a healthier option for horses. Hopefully, this can be accomplished in the near future through a scientific study conducted by a reputable team of research veterinarians.”

For further information on Florida Hemp program, visit: www.FDACS.gov/Hemp





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