Two panels provided an update on “Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill” during a hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday.

The first panel consisted of representatives from USDA, EPA and FDA who gave reports on how their respective agencies are working on implementation. USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach, EPA Assistant Administrator Alexandra Dunn, and FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs Dr. Amy Abernethy each presented testimony on the progress and challenges in implementing the law. Ibach reported that USDA has been working diligently to establish the program and issue regulations in time for the 2020 crop year.

Listen to their opening comments here:
Senate Ag Committee hearing on Hemp Production panel 1

The second panel included Kentucky hemp farmer Brian Furnish, National Hemp Association executive director Erica Stark, and Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr. who all talked about the opportunities presented by the production of hemp and the need for clear regulations moving forward.

I thank you for making this wonderful crop legal,” said Furnish. “But now what the hemp growers need and want is for this new and valuable crop to be just that, a crop, with the same opportunities to grow and fill the marketplace with new and valued products.”

Listen to their opening comments here:
Senate Ag Committee hearing on Hemp Production panel 2