State agriculture director and industry speakers review Idaho industrial hemp program and industry prospects

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture and industry representatives briefed the Idaho Senate Agricultural Committee on the state industrial hemp program, implementation of House Bill 126, and operational experiences from growers and processors.

Michelle Tewalt, director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, outlined Idaho’s statutory framework and the agency’s administrative program under House Bill 126. Tewalt said Idaho’s program points to the federal 2018 Farm Bill for on-farm production rules but that the Farm Bill does not govern seed quality, manufacturing, retail products or human and pet food; she noted the Food and Drug Administration has authority over foods and some derivatives. Tewalt described Idaho’s THC standard as more stringent than USDA’s: “Idaho standard is 0.3%,” she said, and added a bright-line rule in Idaho requires licensed farmers or handlers to possess hemp with allowable THC on farm but that products leaving a licensed handler must be 0% THC.

Tewalt summarized licensing and compliance features: annual licenses with background checks, lot-based testing and inspection, and…