Iowa farmers will have the option of growing industrial hemp next year under a law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday.
The Iowa Hemp Act passed the Legislature last month with overwhelming support.
The law allows licensed growers to cultivate the crop on up to 40 acres.
But before cultivation can begin, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship must develop a plan and submit it to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval.
The USDA must still release its own regulations this fall and hopes to have things in place for farmers to begin growing hemp during the 2020 planting season.
“We’re excited for growers in Iowa to have the same opportunities to compete as their peers in other states,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said in a statement.
– Associated Press
