|
NASDA members advocate for funding options to support growing hemp industry
Story Date: 9/23/2021
| |
Source: PRESS RELEASE, 9/22/21
Today during the National
Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2021 Annual Meeting,
NASDA members amended the organization’s policy on
the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Members voted to advocate for USDA to
allow hemp to be designed as both a specialty crop and an agronomic commodity
depending its intended use.
NASDA’s policy states, “NASDA supports the dual designation for hemp as a
specialty crop based on the manner and purpose for which it is grown. NASDA
supports expanding the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding eligibility
to hemp crops with horticultural uses.”
NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn expounded on the importance of dual designation for
hemp.
“Allowing hemp to be designated as both a specialty crop and a traditional
commodity recognizes the crop’s up-and-coming nature and assures new farmers
will be supported in their decisions to grow the crop for either food, fiber or
horticultural use. In addition, designating the crop as eligible for Specialty
Crop Block Grant Funding promises that more research will be dedicated to the
new industry, laying a strong foundation for the industry to build on,” Glenn
said.
“As the regulators and stewards of healthy agricultural industries in their
states, NASDA members have been the leading voice for supporting the hemp
industry since hemp’s inclusion in the 2014 Farm Bill. This action would be
another important step in helping hemp achieve long-term sustainability.”
Learn more about NASDA’s support of the hemp industry at NASDA.org/Hemp.
|
|
|
|
