Federal Funds Open Up For Pajaro Valley Hemp Growers

WATSONVILLE, CA — Hemp growers around the Pajaro Valley may have access to federal farm funds that were previously unavailable to them.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Tuesday the establishment of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill, creates a regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States and it opens up funding in the form of farm loans and insurance for growers.

“At USDA, we are always excited when there are new economic opportunities for our farmers, and we hope the ability to grow hemp will pave the way for new products and markets,” Perdue said. “We have had teams operating with all hands-on-deck to develop a regulatory framework that meets Congressional intent while seeking to provide a fair, consistent, and science-based process for states, tribes, and individual producers who want to participate in this program.”

Approval of the Hemp Farming Act at the federal level last year and the subsequent passing of the California Industrial Hemp Law earlier this year has already opened up the hemp market. Hemp is typically grown for its fibers, seeds and high Cannabidiol (CBD) concentration — a product that has grown tremendously in popularity due its purported health benefits.

See more information about the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. Learn more about the Hemp and Farm Bill Programs.