§ 520. Hemp data collection and best farming practices. 1. The
commissioner shall have the power to collect and publish data and
research concerning, among other things, the growth, cultivation,
production and processing methods of hemp and products derived from hemp
and work with the New York state college of agriculture and life
sciences at Cornell pursuant to section fifty-seven hundred twelve of
the education law and Cornell cooperative extension pursuant to section
two hundred twenty-four of the county law to promote best farming
practices for hemp which are compatible with state water quality and
other environmental objectives.

2. The department, in conjunction with the department of environmental
conservation, shall promulgate all necessary rules and regulations, as
well as a process for approval, governing the safe production of hemp,
including, but not limited to, environmental and energy standards and
restrictions on the use of pesticides.

3. The department shall, to the extent practicable, share data and
documentation related to an agricultural research pilot program with the
office of cannabis management.