Reminder: USDA interim final rule comment period to close in one week

In December, federal officials gave the U.S. hemp industry 30 more days to provide feedback on new production rules, but that extra time is coming to a close.

Hemp farmers, hemp businesses, associations and industry allies that haven’t yet submitted comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) interim final rule for the U.S. Hemp Production Program have one more week to do so before the official public comment closes on Jan. 29.

Thus far, the comment section on the federal register where the rule is published has received just over 2,000 comments.

The USDA published its interim final rule on Oct. 31, establishing an original 60-day public comment period.

But after requests from state officials and members of the U.S. Congress seeking additional time for public feedback, the USDA extended the comment period.

Comments on the interim final rule can be submitted via:

• The Regulations.gov website.
• Fax: 202-720-8938.
• Mail: Docket Clerk, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS; USDA; 1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP 0237; Washington, DC 20250-0237.

Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 29 to be considered before a final rule is issued.

The USDA has not said when it plans to announce any changes to the rule.