The Chairman Of The House Ag Committee has expressed concern about USDA’s proposal to offer crop insurance for hemp in 2020.
Congressman Collin Peterson pressed a USDA witness on whether it would be possible to create a program for hemp, particularly given the fact that some ‘specific weather damage,’ can raise the plant’s THC level above the legal limit. That means “damaged” hemp could also be ‘illegal.’ Though Northey says some are looking into unique policies for producers with a history of growing hemp, most will have the option to ‘cover’ the crop through an existing program.
In addition to de-listing industrial hemp as a controlled substance, the 2018 farm bill requires USDA to create an insurance product to protect the crop.
