South Carolina Industrial Hemp Program

Background

The new Farm Bill passed in December of 2018 removed hemp from the Controlled Substance List creating a path for banking, insurance, and expanded marketing opportunities. The US Department of Agriculture issued its interim rule on October 31, 2019.  The information about the final rule can be found here https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp. 

The federal guidelines are more restrictive than what South Carolina growers had operated under for 2018 and 2019.  Some things that are points of interest include Total THC not to exceed 0.30%, 15-day testing window prior to harvest, and SCDA sampling of specific plant parts for total THC.  The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) received approval for the new state hemp plan the first part of April 2020. https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/SouthCarolinaHempStatePlan.pdf                

More information and contact information can be found on the SCDA Industrial Hemp Program webpage. Clemson Extension is working with growers of varying levels of experience as this new industry develops. Clemson Extension serves hemp growers by sharing information, providing in-field consultations, and diagnosing plant and pest problems using the Plant Problem Clinic and Ag Service Lab. Clemson University researchers are conducting field trials on Clemson Research Centers around the state.