The American Farm Bureau Federation reversed its two-year position supporting research and domestic cultivation of industrial hemp, at its January 14 annual convention. The Federation is the largest farming organization in the United States.
Delegates to the convention voted 198-168 to go on record against producing hemp and eliminated previous language in favor of research. Two years earlier, delegates unanimously endorsed a resolution to “encourage research into the viability and economic potential of industrial production in the United States.” At that time, delegates further approved that “such research include planting test plots … using modern agricultural techniques.”
Eric Steenstra, owner of the Virginia based hemp company Ecolution, called the Farm Bureau’s action a definite “setback.”
“It is a big disappointment to see farmers succumbing to pressure from law enforcement,” Steenstra said. He charged that the Farm Bureau changed their position based upon inaccurate information, and challenged the argument that hemp plots would be used as a cover for growing marijuana.
“Once hemp cultivation is a tightly regulated, licensed industry, it is difficult to believe that this will be a legitimate reason for concern,” he said.
Missouri Farm Bureau president Charles Kruse led the charge to repeal the federation’s position. Kruse said he was swayed after hearing testimony from state law enforcement who alleged that marijuana and hemp would be indistinguishable to police officers. Law enforcement also argued that hemp was unlikely to be a profitable cash crop.
“Since when are law enforcement agents experts on agriculture and the fiber industry?” asked Allen St. Pierre. St. Pierre noted over 30 countries, including Canada, already allow for the commercial cultivation of industrial hemp. “Apparently, law enforcement in those countries has no difficulty distinguishing hemp from marijuana.”
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre of The NORML Foundation at (202) 483-8751.