Federal regulations for United States hemp production are closer to becoming final after the interim rule was released Tuesday by the United States Department of Agriculture.
United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and First District Congressman James Comer announced Tuesday the U. S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, as authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, was released by the USDA. The interim rule is considered final after it is posted in the federal register. There will be a 60-day comment period for the public to submit feedback to the agency.
Congressman Comer says he is happy to see the progress from USDA in developing the industrial hemp rules and regulations. He adds this is a key step in helping this emerging industry move forward.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the hemp regulations a victory for growers, processors, and manufacturers across the country, especially in his home state of Kentucky. The Majority Leader says for generations Kentucky farmers have made the state an agricultural powerhouse, well-positioned at the forefront of hemp’s resurgence. The Majority Leader says following the downturn in the tobacco market, it was his Tobacco Buyout Legislation that helped farmers transition toward new opportunities.
Congressman Comer says some of the key provisions in the interim final rule set up procedures for grower interaction with the Farm Service Agency, which will be the primary contact for farmers.
The interim final rule establishes testing procedures, which involves two types of testing, liquid or gastric chromatography.
The rule establishes procedures for sharing information with authorities.
And it provides resources for states and tribes managing plans.
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