SDDA Industrial Hemp Plan approved by the USDA

PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture has received final approval by the United States Department of Agriculture for the South Dakota Industrial Hemp Plan.

“I am excited the SDDA has an approved plan and am looking forward to working with industrial hemp producers and processors in South Dakota,” says Derek Schiefelbein, SDDA Industrial Hemp Program Manager. “The SDDA has been working diligently to create a reliable, responsible, safe, and efficient program that will be in place prior to the 2021 growing season.”

The SDDA is currently taking actions to promulgate emergency administrative rules to establish the program in accordance with state law and the USDA approved plan.

As soon as the rules become effective, applicants for the processor licenses and grower licenses will be able to apply.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $32.5 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 132,000 South Dakotans, and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect, and preserve South Dakota agriculture for today and tomorrow.

You can visit the SDDA website at www.sdda.sd.gov, and it will be updated with the USDA approved plan and the most recent information as it becomes available.