12
USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION
NEWS
Harvesting Hemp Experts advise farmers take chill approach to hot crop By Donnelle Eller
T
HE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE released rules
last October that will govern how farmers grow industrial hemp, a crop that promises new revenue for financially struggling growers. The regulations will guide hemp production, including licensing farmers, crop testing and the possible destruction of plants that don’t meet THC requirements. THC is the active ingredient in
cannabis that gets people high. It’s a big step for farmers hoping to tap into a rapidly growing market for hemp-derived cannabidiol, commonly called CBD, used in everything from pet food to wine to creams that promise minor pain relief. According to market research company Brightfield Group, the $5 billion U.S. market is expected to grow to nearly $24 billion by 2023. Iowa officials are already developing a state hemp program and are reviewing the federal rule to ensure their work complies with it. The state plan also must receive USDA approval before Iowa’s program can become effective. Although promising, Robin Pruisner, the state entomologist who is helping lead the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s efforts to develop a hemp program, warned that the emerging market could be extremely risky for farmers. Not only are they growing a new crop, but they will also be selling it into a new market that can be tricky to navigate.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, a strain of cannabis plant that contains low levels of THC. “I strongly, strongly, strongly promote the concept that no one should plant hemp unless they have a contract to sell it,” Pruisner said. “This isn’t like corn, that you can sell to the elevator or the ethanol plant. You need to know where it’s going and what their requirements are,” such as hitting certain levels for pesticides, heavy metals or other compounds. “It needs to be sold before you plant it, so you know exactly how to raise it,” Pruisner said. Iowa’s new law restricts farmers to growing just 40 acres of hemp. Farmers also need to make sure they understand how hemp is priced. For example, some farmers told Pruisner they didn’t get paid until their crops were processed, and the plant was backed up for a year. Producers will need to closely CONTI NUED
GETTY IMAGES
