A measure to allow the growing of industrial hemp has passed the South Dakota House and is now in the Senate. South Dakota Farmers Union backs the legislation. Legislative Specialist Matt Sibley says if this is allowed to go forward it will help the state’s producers diversify and have another market to benefit from
He says the timing of the legislation is good in that it comes at a time when producers are experiencing low prices for other commodities.
The Industrial Hemp measure is patterned after a similar program being used in North Dakota. Those interested in growing the crop would apply for a license from the State Department of Agriculture.