The Latest on Hemp

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued a statement which clarifies avenues for tribal participation under authorities in the 2014 Farm Bill to grow industrial hemp for research purposes during the 2019 growing season. Under the 2014 Farm Bill, a tribe can enter into a partnership or contract with a higher education institution or a state department of agriculture both within or in a different state than the one in which the tribe is located to produce industrial hemp on the tribe’s land. For a tribe to be eligible for hemp production, both the state in which the tribe is located and the state in which the higher education institution or state department of agriculture is located must allow the production of industrial hemp.

HR 2157, a $19.1 billion disaster relief package to assist states devastated by wildfires, hurricanes and flooding, includes a provision to ensure hemp farmers qualify for crop insurance. The Senate passed the measure last week; however, the package has not passed the House yet. Lawmakers are expected to continue negotiations when they return from the Memorial Day recess.