Agricultural Hemp Solutions, LLC is proud to announce the 2018 Farm Bill Policy Guide and Model Hemp Production Plan. This was a collaborative effort between the American Hemp Campaign, a project of Vote Hemp, with support from VS Strategies, the Vicente Sederberg law firm, and Agricultural Hemp Solutions, LLC. The Policy Guide and Model Plan is intended to assist Legislators, Agency Personnel, and Tribal Governments in the development of State and Tribal Plans governing hemp production that meets minimum federal requirements.
In addition to the 2018 Farm Bill Policy Guide and Model Hemp Production Plan being drafted by leading attorneys and advocates in the hemp industry, it has also been reviewed by and has gained the support of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) , Hemp Industries Association (HIA), and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, establishing what the industry believes is the most robust and thorough Model Hemp Production Plan.
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”) was signed into law on December 20, 2018, removing hemp (including any part of the cannabis plant containing 0.3% delta-9 THC or less), its extracts, derivatives, and cannabinoids from the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, and allows for federally-sanctioned commercial hemp production under the purview of the USDA, in coordination with State departments of agriculture or Tribal governments that elect to have primary regulatory authority.
The USDA is currently promulgating regulations for implementation of the new federally authorized program. USDA is expected to finalize regulations around December 2019, with the intention of allowing State and Tribal Governments to submit their plans to USDA for approval for the 2020 production season.
Once a State or Tribal Government submits its Plan, the United States Secretary of Agriculture has sixty (60) days to approve or disapprove of the plan. Hemp production in jurisdictions that do not choose to submit their own plans (and that do not otherwise prohibit hemp production) will be governed directly by USDA regulations. However, for one (1) year after the USDA finalizes and adopts rules to regulate hemp production, Section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the “2014 Farm Bill”) and the pilot programs adopted thereunder will remain authoritative in jurisdictions without USDA-approved State or Tribal hemp production plans, at which point the 2014 Farm Bill hemp provisions will be repealed.
In this Model Hemp Production Plan, you will find primary policy recommendations for State and Tribal Governments to consider when developing their hemp program to submit to the USDA and the minimum requirements mandated by Section 10113 of the 2018 Farm Bill to qualify for the program. This Model Plan is the most comprehensive framework available for State Legislatures, Agricultural Departments, and Tribal Governments. For the full 2018 Farm Bill Policy Guide and Model Hemp Production Plan click here. This is a free publication and is available to everyone! Please feel free to share!
If your State or Tribal Government needs assistance in the development of their plans, please contact AGHS at 4367888388 for support!
Comments