USDA Approves Indiana Hemp Plan

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Thursday approved Indiana’s hemp plan – its third approved plan over the last week. The plan will take the state’s Office of Indiana State Chemist’s pilot program and transition it to a full-scale commercial system.

Under the pilot program, hemp cultivators needed a research proposal and had to be linked with a university to apply for a license. Under the USDA-approved plan, farmers will be able to apply for independent licenses starting next month for the 2021 season.

Don Robison, seed administrator for the Office of the Indiana State Chemist, said in a statement that the “plan approval is a huge accomplishment for both farmers and our team.”

“We are looking forward to growing this program and offering more efficient licensing for Hoosier farmers and processing companies.” – Robinson in a press release

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler, who also serves as co-chair of the Hemp Advisory Committee, said the USDA approval “will allow the Office of the Indiana State Chemist regulatory authority and clearly define the rules and regulations around hemp production and processing in Indiana.”

Indiana’s pilot hemp program was signed into law by then-Gov. Mike Pence (R) – now vice president – in 2014.

The USDA has now approved 30 state hemp proposals, including Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and South Dakota just this month. The agency has also approved plans for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and 37 Native American tribes.