(County Supports new Farm Bill)…It was signed last week by the President.

Imperial County officials say they are encouraged by the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill. They are also happy with the potential positive impacts of industrial hemp and economic research in Imperial County. The new Farm Bill legalizes the cultivation of industrial hemp allowing Imperial County Farmers the ability to grow and sell the plant as an agricultural commodity. Under the new guidelines, hemp farmers would also be eligible to collect crop insurance and apply for federal grants, loans and loan guarantee programs. Although industrial hemp is considered in the same family as cannabis, it is a distinctly different crop in its function, cultivation and application. Items made using industrial hemp include clothing, rope, beauty products, paper, bedding and a variety of other household and industrial products. Farmland in Imperial County is considered prime for industrial hemp production due to favorable year-round weather, abundant farmland and the availability of a reliable water supply.