USDA Acknowledges Hemp’s Significance by Adding It to Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee Title

LOS ANGELES– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a noteworthy move that underscores the recognition of hemp as a valuable commodity. The agency will include hemp in the title of one of its Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs), highlighting the crop’s importance within the agricultural industry.

According to a notice of intent issued by the USDA, the ATAC formerly known as “Tobacco, Cotton, and Peanuts” will now be called “Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts, and Hemp.” The inclusion of hemp in the committee’s name signifies the USDA’s acknowledgement of the crop’s significance and the need for its representation within agricultural trade discussions.

ATACs serve as consultative bodies, providing guidance and expertise to the secretary of agriculture and the U.S. trade representative regarding agricultural trade matters. By incorporating hemp into the committee’s name, the USDA demonstrates its commitment to recognizing and addressing the specific needs and interests of hemp cultivators and the hemp industry.

Since the legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, the USDA has actively collaborated with hemp growers nationwide. The agency has been involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting the economic potential of hemp cultivation. One recent example is the USDA’s funding of economic opportunities in Tennessee, where efforts are underway to harness the economic benefits of hemp production.

With the inclusion of hemp in the ATAC title, the USDA sends a clear message about the importance of hemp as an agricultural commodity and its role in shaping trade policies and strategies. This move reflects the ongoing evolution and recognition of hemp’s value within the agricultural landscape.