Federal Agency Tells USDA To Keep Hemp Rules Open For Comment Even Longer

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to lengthen a public comment period it recently reopened for proposed hemp rules.

USDA announced it was reopening the comment period last week, citing intense demand from stakeholders who have expressed concern about a number of specific regulations. The department outlined 12 areas where they’re seeking additional feedback, including several that industry representatives have identified as very consequential.

But while they’re giving interested parties 30 days to send additional input after the original comment period—which saw more than 4,600 submissions—SBA’s Office of Advocacy said in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Friday that it’s not enough time for small businesses. They’re asking for at least 60 days.