MDA announces appointments to Montana Hemp Advisory Committee

Press release

HELENA — After receiving significant interest from producers and stakeholders throughout the state, Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ben Thomas announced thursday that nine people have been appointed to the Montana Hemp Advisory Committee.

  “We are grateful that so many folks were interested in serving on the Hemp Advisory Committee, and the selection process wasn’t easy,” said Director Thomas. “The appointees represent Montana hemp growers both large and small, and also reflect the diverse growing regions of Montana’s ag industry. I look forward to working with the committee to shape the future of Montana’s hemp industry.”

  The nine people appointed to one-year terms on the committee are:

• Jeremy Anderson — Fort Benton

• Jackee Beck — Deer Lodge

• Ken Elliott — Wolf Point

• Jamie Fitterer — Bozeman

• Arlin Fratzke — Stevensville

• Bart Icopini — Hysham

• Ross Johnson — Conrad

• Dean Nelson — Homestead

• Kim Phillips — Helena

The committee will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 225 at the Montana Department of Agriculture at 302 N. Roberts, Helena. The first meeting will include an overview of Montana’s State Hemp Plan, commodity dealer licensing and a discussion on how hemp laws are implemented in Montana. The meeting is open to the public.