The results of a national survey show that nearly eight out of every ten farmers and processors support an industrial hemp checkoff program for research, promotion and consumer education. South Dakota Industrial Hemp Association Executive Director Katie Sieverding says that’s positive and having that type of program in place would be very beneficial.
The hemp survey was conducted on line from November 20, 2020 until December 31, 2020 and had 270 responses. Sieverding says that’s impressive and notes the interest of having a checkoff program in place.
Education is an important component of any checkoff program and Sieverding says their association will be having an educational program coming up in Pierre next week.
She says they’ll have a third educational program on the 20th in Hudson. Sieverding adds that anyone interested in growing industrial hemp this spring must apply and get approval from the State Department of Agriculture. The application deadline is February 24.
