AFBF: Hemp Rule Needs Small Changes To Benefit American Growers

The comment period on the USDA’s interim final rule on hemp production has closed but not before the American Farm Bureau Federation made recommendations.  AFBF director of Congressional Relations Scott Bennett said the comments focused on three main areas where the rule can be improved for farmers.

“The THC testing limit; Current law is 0.3% THC. American Farm Bureau supports THC levels up to 1%" Bennett . The testing window; a hemp product must be tested within 15 days of harvest. With the potential backlog at the testing facilities, we asked USDA to extend that to 45 days.”

And when it comes to the destruction of a hot crop that tests over 0.3% THC, the Bennett said the Farm Bureau would like to see efforts made to pull some value out of the crop.

Bennett said these comments will help American Farm Bureau work with USDA and other stakeholders to improve the rule, adding hemp has a bright future in the U.S.

“We understand that this will be a crop that works for some farmers in some regions of the country, but not necessarily for everyone. That’s why we are working closely with USDA in their development of this interim final rule because this is what will provide the final clarity around how a farmer is able to produce this crop.

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