USDA published the “interim final rule” on Oct. 31, 2019 in the Federal Register which outlines a US Domestic Hemp Production Program.

As described by the USDA’s website, the rule: “outlines provisions for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve plans submitted by States and Indian Tribes for the domestic production of hemp. It also establishes a Federal plan for producers in States or territories of Indian Tribes that do not have their own USDA-approved plan. The program includes provisions for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced, testing the levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of plants not meeting necessary requirements, licensing requirements, and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the new part.”

Public comment on this rule will be taken by the USDA till Dec. 30, 2019. Fore more info on this and to submit comments, click this link: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/establishment-domestic-hemp-production-program

On the state level, Georgia has been working on drafts of its own Hemp Farming Act to comply with the federal rulings. Licenses will be needed to grow hemp in GA but licenses will not be issued until the state’s rules and regulations are in place. For more info and to sign up for GDA updates click this link: https://agr.georgia.gov/industrial-hemp-production.aspx

A 12 minute video at the bottom of this linked page describes the rulings at the national level: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp

Lastly, UGA Extension will be hosting Hemp Production Meetings early 2020 with Dr. Tim Coolong a horticulturalist who has taken on the role of specialist for this commodity. Local to Crisp Co there will be a meeting in Turner Co, location TBA, on Jan 28, 2020 @ 6:30pm. Also, another meeting will be held in Dooly Co on Feb 5, 2020 @ 6:30pm @ the Unadilla City Hall Conference room (see flyer below).

Dinner provided at both meetings. Please RSVP to the Turner Co meeting by calling their Extension office @ (229-567-3448). Please RSVP to the Dooly Co meeting by calling their Extension office @ (229-268-4171).

Thanks.

Best Wishes,

Joshua Grant

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