South Dakota Farmers Union members and other supporters are in Pierre today for South Dakota Hemp Day. The farm group has been working to get state lawmakers to pass legislation to allow the production of industrial hemp. President Doug Sombke says they hope to share education during Hemp Day to help people understand the value of growing the product.
He says it takes time to develop industrial hemp production and processing and South Dakota can’t wait as other states are already moving ahead with the crop.
Sombke says the state needs to move forward with research and development of industrial hemp, even though USDA has not released the federal rules.
Sombke says lawmakers and the public need to keep an open mind about industrial hemp as a way to expand opportunities for farmers.
Hemp Day runs from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Pierre Ramkota Hotel, following the conclusion of the Interim Hemp Committee Meeting.
