Delaware has become one of the first states to be approved by USDA for commercial hemp production and is moving ahead with testing and permitting.
Delaware farmers are closer than ever to growing commercial hemp. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state’s production plan Jan. 27, giving the state authority to regulate hemp grown as a commodity.
Before, hemp could only be grown for research purposes under the 2019 hemp research pilot program. Now, commercial growers can register for a permit with the Delaware Department of Agriculture starting Friday, Feb. 7.
Delaware joins New Jersey as the two East Coast states with an approved production plan.
Gov. John Carney said the plan could boost the state economy.
“I want to commend the staff at the Department of Agriculture for putting together a successful plan for smart domestic hemp production in Delaware,” he said. “Not only does this help offer another crop for our farmers to produce, but it provides value-added products that will continue to grow small business in our state.”
Some farmers are more hesitant after struggling to find a market for hemp during last year’s pilot program.
“I don’t see a lot of people knocking the Department of Agriculture’s door over to get permits to grow hemp,” said Ernie Vogl, a farmer west of Harrington who grew hemp last year.
Dover Post, Emily Lytle, February 4, 2020