USDA Establishes New National Domestic Hemp Production Program

WASHINGTON, DC – When Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, they opened the door for legalized production of hemp in the United States. On Tuesday morning, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the establishment of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. This program creates a consistent regulatory framework around domestic hemp production. An interim final rule formalizing the program will be published in the Federal Register to allow hemp to be grown under federally-approved plans and make producers eligible for a number of agricultural programs. The rule includes provisions for the USDA to approve hemp production plans developed by states and Indian tribes including requirements for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced; testing the levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol; disposing of plants not meeting necessary requirements; and licensing requirements. It also establishes a federal plan for hemp producers in states or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own approved hemp production plan. The interim final rule becomes effective upon publication in the Federal Register. USDA also developed guidelines for sampling and testing procedures that are being issued concurrently with this rule. These documents provide additional information for sampling agents and hemp testing laboratories. Once state and tribal plans are in place, hemp producers will be eligible for a number of USDA programs, including insurance coverage through Whole-Farm Revenue Protection. For information on available programs, visit farmers.gov/hemp.