- Michelle Mattice
National Hemp Association December 2019 Newsletter
December 2019 Issue # 39
Chair's Update - Happy New Year
As 2019 draws to a close we reflect on what a momentous year it has been! We can't wait to see what 2020 has in store for our industry. But even as news typically slows down this time of year, there have been several developments for December!
USDA Extends Comment Period
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the comment period for its interim final rules regarding the U.S. Domestic Hemp in order to allow the public additional time to provide feedback. The deadline, initially set for December 29, has been extended to January 29, 2020. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/10/31/2019-23749/establishment-of-a-domestic-hemp-production-program
Hemp Crop Insurance Pilot Program
NHA has been working with AgriLogic (the developers of this insurance product) all year and we are thrilled that it has been announced there will be a pilot program in select counties in 21 states for the 2020 growing season!
This is true multi-peril crop insurance and separate from the previously announced available coverage under the RMA Whole Farm Insurance Program.
USDA Approves First State and Tribal Hemp Production Plans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the first set of approved plans submitted by states and Indian tribes for the domestic production of hemp under the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The plans were submitted by the states of Louisiana, New Jersey, and Ohio, and the Flandreau Santee Sioux, Santa Rosa Cahuilla, and La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indian Tribes.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda-approves-first-state-and-tribal-hemp-production-plans
EPA Approves 10 Pesticides for Hemp
In December 2019, EPA approved adding hemp to the uses of 10 pesticides. Nine of the products are biopesticides and one is a conventional pesticide. As EPA receives additional applications to amend product labels to add use on hemp, the agency will process those applications on an ongoing basis and update this list.
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/pesticide-products-registered-use-hemp
NY Passes Landmark Hemp Legislation
Congratulations to NY Governor Cuomo, Ag Chair and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and State Senator Jen Metzger for their leadership and support of our industry. We would also like to make a special acknowledgement for Deputy Counsel Axel Bernabe who has imbedded himself with the industry to learn from the ground up and help address the real challenges that rekindling an industry has identified.
A new law signed earlier this month by Gov. Cuomo allows the state to e growth and sale of products containing hemp extracts, such as CBD oil, which have exploded in popularity in recent years. “The hemp industry in New York is exploding and with that growth comes a responsibility to regulate the industry in a way that helps ensure its long-term viability and protects consumers,”Cuomo said.
USDA Hemp Position
The Specialty Crops Program (SCP) is part of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is the organization responsible for helping the produce industry market their perishable products in an orderly an efficient manner. In this position, applicant will serve as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist within the hemp program, responsible for implementing and administering all aspects of the AMS hemp program regulations.
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/554843100
Farmer to Farmer Show
This month we were thrilled to participate in the Farmer to Farmer show in Omaha, Nebraska. The show is part of the Farmer Business Network which is an Independent network of thousands of North America’s most advanced farmers. https://www.fbn.com/
Hemp Industry Is Cleared to Do Business With Banks https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/03/business/hemp-producers-banks.html
New York Times
Hemp or Pot Farm? Police and Thieves Can’t Always Tell https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/03/nyregion/hemp-marijuana-thc.html
New York Times
Amazon’s Choice’ Isn’t the Endorsement It Appears
https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazons-choice-isnt-the-endorsement-it-appears-11577035151
Wall Street Journal
High Hopes, Big Barriers: The First Year of Legal Hemp
https://thehempmag.com/2019/12/high-hopes-big-barriers-the-first-year-of-legal-hemp/
The Hemp Magazine
Tennessee’s hemp industry has seen huge growth. Will new federal regulations slow it down?
Knox News