By Julie Tomascik
Editor
More than 200 people from across Texas attended the state-sponsored public hearing on Texas hemp rules held earlier this week.
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) hosted the hearing at Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Conference and Training Center on Jan. 22.
More than 50 individuals, business and organizations—including TFB—testified regarding the state’s proposed hemp rules.
“Like others in this room, we are excited about the cultivation of hemp being legal in Texas, and we welcome an additional crop for our members to grow, especially during the current downturn in the farm economy,” Brant Wilbourn, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said.
But there were two items Wilbourn asked TDA to address.
The first item was the timeframe between submitting a sample request form to TDA and harvest.
“The proposed rule states that the form shall be submitted at least 15 days prior to harvest,” he said. “We are uncertain that 15 days will be enough time to get an inspector to the field to sample the crop, and then allow the farmer enough time to harvest their hemp crop.”
Unpredictable Texas weather could have a negative impact on the crop during that timeframe. Plus, Wilbourn noted, hemp is a more labor-intensive crop and takes more time to harvest than traditional row crops.
TFB asked the state agency to consider a timeline greater than 15 days.
“The rule currently states that no more than two sample requests will be granted or conducted per lot. Why not go ahead and give producers 30 days for the allowed sample requests?” Wilbourn asked.
He also discussed TDA’s mandatory orientation course that is required for a license to be issued to a grower.
“We request this course’s timing and locations be easily accessible to all applicants,” Wilbourn testified.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the commercial production of hemp and authorized states to submit plans to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to administer hemp programs.
Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB 1325, officially legalizing the crop to be grown in Texas.
TDA continued the next steps in the process and submitted the state hemp plan to USDA on Oct. 29, 2019.
The proposed rules were published Jan. 10 in the Texas Register. The state hemp plan must be approved and finalized before TDA can begin granting licenses to legally grow hemp in Texas.
Comments on the state’s proposed rules are due Feb. 10. Comments can be submitted online to rulecomments@texasagriculture.gov or mailed to:
Philip Wright
Administrator for Agriculture and Consumer Protection
Texas Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 12847
Austin, Texas 78711
Click here for more information, frequently asked questions and other regulations on growing hemp.