Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


Improvements to Hemp Regulation Needed to Support Farmers

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 11:09:17 CST

Improvements to Hemp Regulation Needed to Support Farmers Improved testing rules, an expanded testing timeline, and clarity around hemp transportation would help farmers grow and market this new crop, the American Farm Bureau Federation said in comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The comments relate to USDA's Interim Final Rule regulating hemp production nationwide.


Earlier this month, farmers and ranchers at AFBF's Annual Convention voted to support an increase in the allowable THC level in hemp up to 1%. The vote gives AFBF leaders and staff the flexibility to engage in discussions with regulators and lawmakers about the appropriate legal limit on THC.


Current law limits THC content in hemp to 0.3% or below. In addition, regulations require testing to be conducted only on the flower of the plant, despite the harvesting and use of the entire plant.


AFBF is requesting that USDA allow THC testing of the entire plant, including the flower, leaf and stem, to be averaged together. Since hemp's legalization, there is growing demand for hemp fibers to make everything from clothing to rope and flooring, none of which is impacted by the THC level.


The Interim Final Rule requires the collection of plant samples needed for THC testing within 15 days of the anticipated harvest date. In comments to USDA, AFBF noted this narrow window places an unnecessary burden on farmers, who risk losing their entire crop if they cannot complete harvest in just 15 days, and fails to consider the potential for delayed test results due to a lack of THC testing facilities. AFBF is urging USDA to extend the 15-day window to 45 days before the anticipated harvest date to remove this unfair and expensive burden on farmers.


USDA requires that all THC testing labs be certified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. With only 44 DEA-certified labs in 22 states to serve hundreds of hemp farmers, many believe testing delays and backlogs are inevitable. Without a certified lab in each state, hemp growers may have to transport untested samples across state lines to comply with the regulations. However, if the hemp being transported is above the 0.3% THC threshold, farmers will have shipped an illegal product across state lines, opening them up to potential prosecution.


Many states have used private labs with third-party certifications to conduct THC testing, based on guidelines in the 2014 Farm Bill. These labs are regularly assessed and must meet international performance requirements to maintain certification. AFBF is requesting that USDA allow testing in private labs that have obtained third-party accreditation, to minimize delays and costs to hemp farmers.


Read the full comments filed by AFBF here



   

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.