Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 28, 38, 41.1 and 44; Title 15.2, Chapter 18, Code of Virginia.

A. The Commissioner may enter into agreements with local and state agencies, or other persons, for the control of black vultures, coyotes, and other wildlife that pose danger to agricultural animals. The Commissioner shall enter into an agreement with the federal government to establish and maintain the Virginia Cooperative Wildlife Damage Management Program.

B. Out of the amounts in this Item, $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year from the general fund shall be deposited to the Beehive Grant Fund established pursuant to § 3.2-4415, Code of Virginia. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 3.2-4416, Code of Virginia, the department shall not accept applications for grants from the Beehive Grant Program if funds are not appropriated for such purposes nor shall the department be required to continue to accept applications for the program if funds appropriated have been fully allocated to grantees for a given fiscal year.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 3.2-4114.2 and 3.2-4115, Code of Virginia, the Commissioner shall charge an annual nonrefundable fee of $150 on each application for registration, or renewal of registration, as an industrial hemp grower, an annual nonrefundable fee of $200 on each application for registration as an industrial hemp processor, and an annual nonrefundable fee of $250 for registration as an industrial hemp dealer pursuant to Chapter 41 of Title 3.2, Code of Virginia.