PIERRE, SD – Industrial hemp production in South Dakota is getting closer but there are still regulatory hurdles ahead.
House Majority Leader Lee Qualm of Platte, a prime sponsor of the legislative bill, says state Ag Secretary Kim Vanneman (who resigned from her position this week) told him the rules will soon be ready to go the US Ag Department for review and approval.
“The goal is for June 1,” says Qualm. “Obviously the COVID slowed everything down but it’s still moving forward.”
Qualm says time will probably run out on any planting potential this year.
“There’s 60 days from the time the feds receive it to the time they have to have it done so there is no way this year anything will be planted,” says Qualm. “But it will give processors the opportunity to get things up and going. They can purchase product from other states until we have product next year.”
Qualm says there will be marketing opportunities for those that grow the crop.
“People are curious as to what the rules are going to be and if there will be facilities to process the product,” says Qualm.
A bill passed last year was vetoed by Governor Kristi Noem. The legislature and the Governor worked out a compromise bill this year
