USDA seeks public comment on hemp policy during listening session

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host a public listening session Feb. 26 to get feedback on policies being implemented through the 2018 Farm Bill. 

According to Bill Northey, the agency’s undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, the listening session is an opportunity for hemp producers and other agriculture industry stakeholders to provide input on how the USDA can best provide support.

Input provided will be considered for making USDA spending decisions.

The Farm Bill, which President Trump signed into law in December, charges the USDA with developing regulations for hemp producers “as expeditiously as practicable.”

“At USDA, we are eager to hear from our stakeholders on policy recommendations so we can start working on implementing these important Farm Bill provisions,” Northey said in a statement.

Those interested in attending the Washington DC meeting in person must register at farmers.gov/farmbill by Feb. 22. Separate advance registration is required for those who wish to speak.

Additional written comments will be accepted through March 1 and will be publicly available at regulations.gov.