Details for grower accounts and continuous security

The Commissioner determines the required amount. The statute and current rule state a $20,000 minimum, a $1 million maximum and a constraint tied to 2% of the most recent calendar year's hemp purchases from grower licensees. The rule assigns the minimum when there is no purchase history. Provide the actual purchase records and obtain the Commissioner's determination rather than assuming a fixed amount or calculating a new catalog option.

The bond must use a Commissioner-prescribed or approved form and a Georgia-authorized surety corporation approved by the Commissioner. The statute requires the surety's Insurance Commissioner good-standing certificate with bond applications. This is distinct from the processor business's own organizational documents.

If the surety becomes disqualified in Georgia, the rule requires an approved replacement of at least equivalent amount within 30 days, effective from the date the previous bond became ineffective. That is not a general 30-day cancellation notice provision. Cancellation, failure to replace a disqualified surety or failure to meet a required additional-bond demand can cause immediate permit revocation and a four-year reapplication bar. Coordinate continuity with GDA before ending coverage.

GDA handles processor applications and renewals through its hemp licensing system. Its permit year ends December 31 and renewals open in November; those dates do not establish the bond's expiration. Keep the bond evidence, grower purchase records and any written additional-security demand aligned with the actual permit. A bond does not issue a grower license or other hemp-business approval.