The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the Texas hemp plan submitted by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

“This approval brings us closer to growing this new crop in Texas,” Brant Wilbourn, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said.

But there are still some legal steps to complete before farmers can begin planting the crop.

“Although USDA has approved the state plan, that doesn’t mean interested growers can start planting just yet. The licensing program must still be established and the administrative rules, which we testified on, still need to be approved, too,” Wilbourn said.

The rules relate to licensing, production, testing, seed certification and other program oversight, as necessary, according to TDA.

Public comments can still be submitted on the Texas hemp administrative rules through 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

TDA anticipates the hemp growing permit application process will begin early this year.

Hemp can be used for textiles, clothing, oils, industrial products and food.

The regulation of CBD consumables, including CBD oil, will be handled in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The state agency with oversight of CBD consumables is the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), not TDA. Questions regarding those matters should be directed to DSHS.

More information about the Texas hemp program, including frequently asked questions, is available here.

Click here for more information on the U.S. domestic hemp production program from USDA.