UDSA Approves Oregon’s Hemp Plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) plan to regulate hemp production statewide. This approval allows the state through ODA to continue as the primary regulator of hemp production in Oregon.

Until now, the ODA operated its Hemp Program using the authorities provided by Oregon Revised Statutes and the 2014 Farm Bill. However, the 2018 Farm Bill changed everything.  Hemp is no longer an experimental crop, it is legal.

Beginning January 1, 2022, hemp production throughout the U.S. must comply with the 2018 federal Farm Bill’s hemp provisions and USDA’s Domestic Hemp Production Program regulations. In addition, state departments of agriculture with USDA-approved plans, like ODA, must regulate hemp production in accordance with the 2018 federal Farm Bill’s hemp provisions and the federal  regulations.

The new federal hemp regulations required some adjustments to ODA’s Hemp Program. Notable changes in response to the new federal rules include:

• Each key participant on the grower application must submit a criminal history report to ODA
• Reporting requirements for the location and acreage of hemp planted
• The maximum window to collect samples before harvest must be no more than 30 days
• Growers must register with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

The changes above are in addition to the Oregon Legislatures changes to the State Laws regarding Hemp through House Bill 3000.

All Oregon hemp growers and handlers must first have their license approved before starting hemp production. Applications to grow hemp are on the ODA Hemp Growers webpage. Additionally, find information about ODA’s Hemp Program, the approved state plan, and the newly adopted rules on the Hemp Laws and Rules webpage.

If you need help navigating the ODA’s rules and regualtions, contact us for help.  Call 503-234-2694 or contact is through our web site.