ISDA, growers and manufacturers describe Idaho hemp program, urge changes to testing, fees and remediation

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and industry representatives told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee that Idaho’s industrial hemp program is operating but imposes high fees and stringent testing and post‑processing standards that industry participants say constrain expansion.

“For the record, I am Michelle Tewalt, director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture,” ISDA Director Michelle Tewalt told the committee, explaining the agency’s role and the legal framework that guided program rules. She said Idaho enforces a 0.3 percent THC limit for licensed farm production and that “once it leaves a licensed handler’s facility, it has to be a 0% THC product.” Director Tewalt also noted the 2018 federal farm bill is the baseline for on‑farm production but said the Farm Bill does not govern seed quality, manufacturing or food products.

Why the hearing matters: Senators heard that hemp fiber and grain have potential as rotational crops that can reduce water and fertilizer needs and can support new manufacturing jobs in Idaho. Industry speakers urged legislative or administrative changes to make the program more workable for large‑scale fiber production and to avoid penalizing growers for cross‑pollination or genetics issues outside their control.

Key points from ISDA and industry speakers

- ISDA overview:…