By Andi Anderson
Michigan hemp farmers will now operate under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the state’s industrial hemp program ends.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), which has overseen the hemp industry since 2019, will stop regulating the program due to financial sustainability concerns.
With USDA oversight, hemp farmers will face stricter compliance requirements. Pre-harvest THC testing must be conducted at Drug Enforcement Administration-approved laboratories.
Farmers will also need to maintain more detailed records and adhere to stricter reporting standards. These protocols aim to ensure transparency and prevent marijuana cultivation under the guise of hemp farming.
Despite the increased compliance measures, the transition offers advantages. Licensing fees under USDA regulations will be lower than the previous $1,350 required by Michigan’s program. This reduction could make hemp farming more accessible and cost-effective for small-scale farmers.
According to Blain Becktold, president of iHemp Michigan, the change may encourage farmers and processors to revisit industrial hemp’s potential. Emerging uses for hemp in building materials and animal feed could open new revenue streams for the industry.
Michigan’s hemp farming landscape has seen significant changes over the years. The number of licensed hemp growers has declined sharply from 631 in 2020 to just 34 today. The shift to USDA oversight comes at a time when the state seeks to streamline its regulatory processes.
Regulatory activities for hemp were transferred to Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency in 2022 to address enforcement challenges and reduce administrative costs.
USDA protocols will officially take effect in 2025, marking a new chapter for Michigan’s hemp farmers.
As the state transitions, the hope is that reduced costs and increased opportunities will revitalize the industry and attract more participants. The move underscores the potential of industrial hemp as a sustainable and profitable agricultural option.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy