AUGUSTA – Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal released the following statement regarding today's USDA Hemp Rules announcement:

“We are pleased that the USDA finally released the highly anticipated hemp guidance for states. As Governor Janet Mills wrote in her letter to the Secretary of Agriculture last week, states like Maine and farmers across the country have been in limbo as we awaited this importance guidance outlining how states would implement commercial hemp production. We will continue to work with stakeholders across Maine, including the congressional delegation and the USDA, in making sure that this guidance makes sense for Maine farmers and business owners.”

The USDA is waiting until the conclusion of a public comment period before working to approve state and tribal hemp plans. Hemp was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill and states have eagerly awaited today's announcement.