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Sutter County issues report on interim hemp moratorium after heated public comments and assurances of further meetings
Summary
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors voted to issue the written report required for an interim moratorium on industrial hemp cultivation, keeping options open for ordinance changes. Growers warned of lost investments and jobs; residents raised odor and safety concerns. The board said it will meet with growers before the next hearing.
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors on the floor of its meeting voted to issue the written report documenting findings under the county's interim urgency ordinance that temporarily halts industrial hemp cultivation in unincorporated areas.
CAO Steve Smith read the required findings and data, telling the board that six registered hemp growers hold roughly 197.6 outdoor acres and 67 hoop houses in the county, with four of the six licensees currently subject to corrective-action plans. Smith said the department's books show $557,604 in expenditures against $141,777 in revenue since 2019, producing a cumulative shortfall "just over $400,000." He stated that the department is holding two positions open and that enforcement-related costs (including county counsel, code enforcement, sheriff's office and fire) are not reimbursable under the county's contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
Why it matters: Issuing the written report is the procedural step that keeps the moratorium on…
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