On May 1, the House and Senate Ag. Committees released summaries of their proposals for the upcoming Farm Bill.
The 2018 Farm Bill was originally set to expire on September 30, 2023, but was extended through September 30, 2024 by the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (Nov. 15, 2023). Since then, the hemp industry and broader agricultural community have eagerly anticipated the release of the upcoming Farm Bill proposals.
Senate Ag Committee: Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act
The Senate Committee On Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, chaired by Debbie Stabenow, unveiled the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act including a detailed Section-By-Section Summary.
In releasing details of the Act, the Committee provided "[t]he Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act reflects more than two years of bipartisan work on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and incorporates more than 100 bipartisan bills and the work of Senators on and off the Committee."
“This is a serious proposal that reflects bipartisan priorities to keep farmers farming, families fed, and rural communities strong. The foundation of every successful Farm Bill is built on holding together the broad, bipartisan coalition of farmers, rural communities, nutrition and hunger advocates, researchers, conservationists, and the climate community...” ~Chairwoman Stabenow
Regarding hemp, the Senate Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act Section-by-Section Summary specifically provides,
Sec. 10015. Hemp Production
• Defines “industrial hemp” and lowers regulatory barriers for farmers who are growing industrial hemp for grain and fiber.
• Eliminates the ban on persons who were previously convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance from participating in the program or producing hemp.
Read the full Senate Ag. Committee Section-By-Section Summary here.
House Committee on Ag: 2024 Farm Bill
The House Agriculture Committee, chaired by Glenn "GT" Thompson published a high-level Title-by-Title overview. This overview provides a general summary of each Title of the Farm Bill. While hemp is not mentioned in the overview, Chairman Thompson has made public that markup of the House bill is scheduled for May 23.
This is a signal for businesses to get ready for the changes ahead!
If you have policy goals, ensure you're partnered with a lobbying team with a successful track record: our sister lobbying firm Agricultural Hemp Solutions is a leading trusted voice on the Hill for the hemp industry. Connect with them at 202-656-7023; campaigns@agriculturalhempsolutions.com.
To help your business plan for and understand the upcoming changes in federal hemp policy, schedule a consultation with us at 541-632-3946 or info@earthlawllc.com.
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