Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the interim final rule for implementing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program as authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. The interim final rule is considered final as soon as it is posted in the federal register. There will be a 60-day comment period for the public to submit comments to the agency.

“I am happy to see this progress from USDA in developing the industrial hemp rules and regulations,” said Congressman James Comer (KY-01). “This is a key step in helping this emerging industry move forward.”

Some key provisions in the interim final rule are:

• Procedures on farmer interaction with the Farm Services Agency (FSA). FSA will be the primary point of contact for farmers.  
• Testing procedures, which involve 2 types, liquid or gastric chromatography
• Procedures for sharing information with authorities
• Resources for states and tribes for managing plans

For more information on the interim final rule, please see visit USDA’s website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp