USDA’s, United States Department of Agriculture, researchers assert that they’re searching for more ways to alleviate hemp profitability and production for farmers. They’re also gathering the first statewide statistics on local hemp production that need to be ready by 2022.
However, Dionne Toombs, one of the top officials at USDA’s Chief Scientist’s Office, didn’t give any indication this week during the statewide Hemp Symposium that national hemp regulations taking effect in March could be postponed or reviewed again, as some hemp growers and processors were expecting.
Toombs asserted that USDA’s research entails standardizing CBD and THC testing and creating a new assortment of hemp germplasm while liaising with Cornell University.
She added that USDA’s scientists have a proven experience in revolutionizing United States agriculture and fostering technology advancements to avail new product innovations to users.
She further said that her department has challenged itself to explore innovations in agriculture and that industrial hemp is poised to acquire the same success.
Dionne briefly talked about hemp production’s final regulations that America’s agriculture department launched hours before Trump, former U.S president, left office. She pointed out that regulations would take effect from 22nd March.
President Joe Biden’s administration immediately called for a review of new regulations from state agencies. However, there has been zero indications that the latest language on the crop’s production is being adjusted before this year’s growing season.
Toombs talked about USDA’s research projects, such as;
- An upgraded $66M Agricultural Research Service laboratory where research experts will study fibre, plant breeding and hemp farming
- Partnering with Oregon State University to create a software that helps growers to incorporate hemp into their crop cycle
- Helping plant breeders in boosting fibre quality.
Toombs asserted that USDA’s research experts are studying hemp’s genetic diversity and finding post-production hemp opportunities for new applications.
