By Chris Wack

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. said the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has expanded its licensing of AgEagle's HempOverview Software-as-a-Service platform, providing access to the platform's full suite of technology-enabled capabilities.

The drone-technology company said FDACS originally licensed HempOverview's registration module in November 2019 to manage its online application submission and registration process for hemp growers and their farms and hemp fields for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 planting seasons.

AgEagle said the licensing expansion allows FDACS to use HempOverview's software platform, which includes comprehensive modules for registration, real-time best management practices, oversight and enforcement, and reporting.

The company said FDACS will engage HempOverview for unique QR code generation on licenses and Certificates of Analysis; increased automated reporting solutions; and in-map note-taking and geo-located document uploading capabilities.

FDACS said that within the next few years, hemp farming in Florida is expected to be about half the size of the state's citrus industry. The state has more than 11,000 licensed acres of hemp cultivation registered to date.

AgEagle shares were up 5%, to $5.67, in premarket trading.

Write to Chris Wack at chris.wack@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 24, 2021 09:12 ET (13:12 GMT)