Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's state hemp production regulatory plan as required by the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. The plan includes outdoor hemp cultivation as shown in this photo.
The United States Department of Agriculture recently approved the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's state hemp production regulatory plan.
States that seek to have primary authority over the regulation and production of hemp in their home jurisdiction were required by the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill to complete a state plan for review and approval by the USDA.
The hemp industry has potential for more job opportunities in the future, whether it's field production or greenhouse production, or value-added products from extractors, manufacturers, specialty stores and hemp breeding operations.
The New Mexico Economic Development Department expects to generate about 400 jobs from hemp-related businesses throughout New Mexico from its Local Economic Development Act funding.
"New Mexico joins 27 other states who have had their plan approved by USDA," New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte said. "Allowing the state to continue regulatory oversight is ideal for producers and others involved in the New Mexico hemp industry. USDA-approved plans provide uniformity among states, as everyone is held to the same standards."
Although New Mexico's hemp statutes, rules and policies implemented for the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons already closely aligned with the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, the newly-approved state plan provides more clarity.
The approval of the state plan is encouraging for banks, as they work with the emerging hemp industry, according to Jerry Walker, CEO and president of the Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico.
"The USDA's approval of New Mexico's hemp plan is good news for growers and producers of hemp in our state and for our community banks who provide loans and other banking services to this burgeoning industry," Walker said. "The diligent efforts of the NMDA will pay dividends for years to come as the industry grows and matures. New Mexico's community banks have been pleased to support this effort and the economic development that will benefit many areas of the state. "
New Mexico's Hemp Manufacturing Act and Hemp Cultivation Rule legalizing and regulating hemp initially were promulgated in 2018. The first production licenses in New Mexico were issued in January 2019.
New Mexico's plan may be viewed in its entirety at https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NewMexicoHempPlan.pdf.