Senate Ag Committee Hemp Hearing

The Senate Committee on Agriculture got an update on “Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill” Thursday with opening remarks from leadership and two panels.

Providing opening remarks were:
Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS)

Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

The first panel included representatives from USDA, EPA and FDA who gave reports on how their respective agencies are working on implementation. USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach, EPA Assistant Administrator Alexandra Dunn, and FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs Dr. Amy Abernethy each presented testimony on the progress and challenges in implementing the law.

The second panel included Kentucky hemp farmer Brian Furnish, National Hemp Association executive director Erica Stark, and Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Tribal Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr. who all talked about the opportunities presented by the production of hemp and the need for clear regulations moving forward.