South Dakota farmers can grow hemp in 2021

Added on 23 October 2020

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South Dakota farmers can grow hemp in 2021

South Dakota farmers will be able to plant hemp in the 2021 growing season, thanks to approval by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) submitted its industrial hemp plan to the USDA back in early August. As soon as emergency administrative rules to establish the program are in place, hemp processor and grower license applications will open.

"I am excited the SDDA has an approved plan and am looking forward to working with industrial hemp producers and processors in South Dakota," Derek Schiefelbein, SDDA Industrial Hemp Program Manager said. "The SDDA has been working diligently to create a reliable, responsible, safe and efficient program that will be in place prior to the 2021 growing season."

The industrial hemp bill passed during the 2020 legislative session after a battle between Gov. Kristi Noem and the state legislature. Noem opposed legalizing industrial hemp, stating that it could open the door for legalized marijuana, whereas legislators supported it as another option for farmers. The industrial hemp bill was one of the final bills to pass during the 2020 session.

Source: Argus Leader
Photo: Dylan Lovan, AP