USDA Gives OK to Hemp Production in New Jersey

Hemp Plants in New JerseyNew Jersey’s plan for the production and testing of hemp and hemp products was approved by the USDA at the beginning of the year. New Jersey was among the first three states to have their plans authorized.

“This is exciting news, as New Jersey is adding an alternative crop for our state’s agricultural community,” says New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher. “The approval by the USDA of New Jersey’s hemp production plan is the culmination of more than three years of hard work by many members of our staff who have recognized this important and wide-ranging new market for our Garden State growers.”

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In a letter informing the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) of the approval, USDA Deputy Administrator Sonia N. Jimenez stated: “With the approval of your hemp plan, New Jersey has assumed primary regulatory responsibility for hemp production within its jurisdiction.”

New Jersey hemp legislation at the state level was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on Aug. 9, 2019, after which followed the process of New Jersey filing for USDA approval.

“The (NJDA’s) Division of Plant Industry will be responsible for inspecting hemp-growing facilities and testing hemp varieties to ensure that the THC content is within the limits set by the USDA,” Division Director Joseph Zoltowski says. “The manufacturing of products for human and animal consumption derived from hemp remains the purview of the Federal FDA.”

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The 2020 New Jersey Hemp Program rules and regulations, as well as applications for participation, are posted here.

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