Charleston W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has received certification of approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the plan submitted regarding the regulation of industrial hemp. Approval for the plan means producers will continue to be regulated at the state level in lieu of federal oversight. States had to submit and gain approval for a plan before October 31, 2020.

“Our staff took a lot of input from the public, as well as other states as they developed West Virginia’s plan. There was a lot of time, discussion and consideration throughout its development. We are happy to have obtained approval from the USDA,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.

Farmers will continue to operate under the current rules and regulations for the 2020 growing season. After October of this year, West Virginian’s approved plan will go into effect. The USDA has approved 13 state plans thus far.

“At the end of the day, this brings a lot of clarity for our farmers. With these guidelines, producers will know exactly what is expected of them in the coming seasons. We will continue to work with those producers on establishing best practices to further the industry,” Leonhardt said.
For more information, contact John Moredock, WVDA Hemp Program Coordinator, at 304-558-2212 or jmoredock@wvda.us.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works