USDA Approves Iowa Hemp Plan

Iowa’s industrial hemp plan has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and farmers in the state can begin applying to cultivate the crop starting April 1. The plan does not legalize the production or use of CBD, according to the state Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship.

“This commercial hemp production program does not legalize the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for human consumption, extraction or processing in Iowa. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is still working to determine if CBD is safe for human consumption. Hemp grain, hemp seed oil and protein powder derived from hemp grain have been cleared by the FDA for human consumption.” – IDALS in a March 20 press release

Under the state’s rules, all individuals associated with hemp production must be listed on the company’s license and undergo a background check and submit fingerprints.

In all, the USDA has approved 12 state hemp program plans since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp. Another 17 states will continue operating under their 2014 pilot programs, while eight other state programs are still pending review by the agency.

Connecticut and Tennessee are listed as having submitted a plan to the USDA that required resubmission. Other states not pending review are currently drafting plans, according to agency data. Regulators have also approved 14 tribal hemp production plans and list another 16 as under review.

Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed the hemp legislation last year. It allows farmers to grow up to 40 acres of the crop.