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NASDA enthusiastic about USDA hemp rule
Story Date: 10/30/2019
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Source: NASDA, 10/29/19
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the highly anticipated Domestic Hemp Production Program. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) praises USDA’s work to generate a federal framework that now allows state departments of agriculture to submit plans to regulate the crop, and after approval, begin to direct hemp production in their states.
“Hemp is currently legal to grow in 46 states, and all of those states have indicated they will submit a plan to the USDA,” NASDA CEO Barb Glenn said. “USDA’s presentation of the guidelines means farmers can plant hemp for the 2020 growing season, and states can develop regulations that are uniform and consistent to encourage interstate commerce.”
The interim-final rule goes into effect immediately, and it provides much needed clarity and direction for producers looking to step into the new industry. USDA has 60 days to approve state plans after their submission.
“We appreciate USDA’s objective to evolve hemp regulations as the industry matures,” Glenn said. “We are all learning as this industry grows. The knowledge we have now will only multiply as the industry secures its place in American agriculture.”
Looking ahead, NASDA advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a well-defined regulatory framework for CBD products, as currently, most of the interest in this emerging crop is due to CBD production. Last year, hemp acreage quadrupled. Understanding this, it can be expected that an incredible volume will be ready for processing at the end of the 2020 growing season.
“Regulations that chart pathways for nationwide market development and interstate commerce will be critical for this industry to become economically viable,” Glenn said. “Assurance that producers will have a market to sell to, locally or elsewhere, is necessary before harvest time.”
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