In order for hemp cultivation to be federally legal, a state must enact regulatory structures that meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) rules and guidelines and have an approved State Plan.  On September 22nd, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) submitted a State Plan for Industrial Hemp Production to the USDA, starting a 60 day clock for the USDA to review and approve (or reject) California’s State Plan.  State Plans are meant to detail practices and procedures for hemp farmers to operate according to their respective jurisdiction and in compliance with federal law, namely the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.  CDFA’s proposed State Plan can be viewed here.

On October 6th, RCRC submitted a letter on the USDA’s Interim Final Rule, which re-issued a comment period on the 2020 hemp production cycle in advance of a forthcoming Final Rule.  In addition to the State Plan, CDFA continues to progress on their open rulemaking to formalize state rules on hemp production, which should conclude by the end of the year.  Additionally, RCRC sent a letter to CDFA on their proposed changes to industrial hemp planting, sampling, laboratory testing and destruction rules.  RCRC is committed to preserving local control and ensuring that counties, via county agricultural commissioners, have the ability to address any impacts associated with hemp production.  RCRC latest letter can be viewed here.