The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing a clear framework around U.S. hemp production. On Tuesday, they announced the establishment of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. This will allow farmers in every state and on reservation lands to grow hemp.
The program is a mandatory requirement of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp as a federally controlled substance. It will be published in the Federal Register this week via an interim final rule formalizing the program.
"At USDA, we are always excited when there are new economic opportunities for our farmers. We hope the ability to grow hemp will pave the way for new products and markets," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. "We have had teams operating with all hands-on-deck to develop a regulatory framework that meets Congressional intent. [We're] seeking to provide a fair, consistent, and science-based process for states, tribes and individual producers who want to participate in this program."
The USDA has developed guidelines for sampling and testing procedures in accordance with this rule. The program rules also enable the USDA to approve hemp production plans that states and Indian tribes develop. The plans will cover licensing, testing and records maintenance, among other areas.
Hemp producers will be able to take advantage of benefits from several USDA programs once the state and tribal plans are in place. These include crop insurance, farm loans and access to conservation program. Click here to read more on these hemp and farm bill programs.
State of Hemp in the Nation
Read the latest political and legal update on the status of hemp from Dylan Summers, Vice President of Government Affairs at Lazarus Naturals.