Federal Register Publishes Interim Final Rule Establishing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program
WASHINGTON, DC - Just last week, we reported on the bulldozing of a Kern County hemp field that federal officials determined to be marijuana. As industrial hemp quickly becomes a lucrative business, the industry needs to be as well-informed as possible regarding the rules and regulations of hemp production.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the official publication of an interim final rule, which establishes the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. This program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill, creates a consistent regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States. It went into effect October 31, 2019.
According to a statement from the USDA:
"This rule establishes a new part specifying the rules and regulations to produce hemp. This action is mandated by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. This rule outlines provisions for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve plans submitted by States and Indian Tribes for the domestic production of hemp. It also establishes a Federal plan for producers in States or territories of Indian Tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan. The program includes provisions for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced, testing the levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of plants not meeting necessary requirements, licensing requirements, and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the new part.”
Additionally, the interim final rule does not affect industrial hemp that was or is being cultivated under the 2014 Farm Bill programs. That industrial hemp remains subject to the requirements of the 2014 Farm Bill.
To learn more about the regulation, as well as submit comments regarding the program, click here.
Stick with AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow all things agriculture.
