§ 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 § 5712 of the education law and Cornell cooperative extension pursuant to § 224 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.