What's new
USDA Domestic Hemp Production Program Issues Final Rule
There are several changes to the final rule that make the domestic hemp production program more flexible for States and Tribes including increasing the pre-harvest inspection window from 15 days to 30 days. The final rule goes into effect on March 22, 2021. States and Tribes wishing to manage hemp programs in their jurisdictions must have a plan approved under the new final rule. States and Tribes have until December 31st, 2021 to transition from operating under the previous 2014 Farm Bill provisions to the new final rule provisions. Check out the full story by Jeffrey Davis here.
Legislative Reception a Huge Success!
The SD Industrial Hemp Association held its first legislative reception and educational forum in Pierre on February 17-18. Interested growers, processors, equipment dealers, testing laboratories gathered with lawmakers to discuss the inaugural growing season in South Dakota since the prohibition of industrial hemp. Day two was filled with information from industry leaders around the country.
Industrial Hemp Program Approved
Yesterday, the Rules Review Committee of the Legislature officially accepted the rules packet for the hemp program! In twenty days the rules will be final and the Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for growers and processors. One important thing to note, growers will have a 60 day window to apply for a license once applications can be accepted by the department. Check out the article on Keloland covering the meeting.