Welcome The BG Podcast! Conversations at the intersection of business, community, and public policy, from the Austin metro and around Texas.

On today’s episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. speaks with Marissa Patton, Associate Legislative Director, Texas Farm Bureau.

Marissa provides an update on the state of Texas’s hemp policy following the passage of HB 1325 (Relating to the production and regulation of hemp) in 2019 during the 86th Texas legislative session.

She also details the challenges faced in moving HB 1325 to passage, and what lies ahead in this nascent agricultural sector.

UPDATE: Following a rulemaking process, last week (March 16, 2020) the Texas Department of Agriculture opened up a portal for hemp growing license and permit applications process opened online on March 16, 2020. Link below

About Marissa Patton

Marissa joined the Texas Farms Bureau in August 2013 where she monitors issues and legislation pertaining to eminent domain, agricultural commodities, wildlife, rural affairs, land use authority and appropriations.

She was raised in Stamford, Texas, where her family maintains a small farming and ranching operation. She is a graduate of Stamford High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.

Prior to joining Texas Farm Bureau, Marissa worked in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Senator John Cornyn. She also worked in Austin for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA).

Connect with her on Twitter at: @TFBAUS_Marissa

More information at: https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode79-texas-hemp-policy-update

This episode was recorded on March 10, 2020