PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – USDA has approved the Industrial Hemp Plan submitted by the South Dakota State Agriculture Department. The state Ag Department is currently working to circulate emergency administrative rules to establish a program in accordance with state law and the USDA approved plan. South Dakota Farmers Union Lobbyist Mitch Richter says his group has been pushing for this for some time.

He says while there likely won’t be a lot of acres of hemp planted, there will be some who want to try growing the crop.

Richter says industrial hemp will spin off economic development.

Richter says it’s critical those wanting to grow hemp check with the state Agriculture Department and follow all their rules before proceeding and that they make sure they use only certified seed.