The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released—and then promptly rescinded—a notice on providing federal loans for hemp processors. After the crop was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, USDA announced that regulations were being developed to offer direct and guaranteed loans to the industry. The FDA released the guideline in April and then issued a new notice this month notifying applicants about the policy change ahead of the planned expiration of the earlier 2014 hemp pilot program. The next day, however, it posted an “obsoleting notice” invalidating the prior document. However, because Congress approved a continuing resolution that extends the program until September 30, 2021, the loan policies are not currently applicable.
Kyle Jaeger , Marijuana Moment, 10/26/2020 08:41:11