USDA's Bold Move: Elevating Hemp's Status As A 'Specialty Crop' What Does It Mean?
Benzinga The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken a significant step to recognize the value of hemp by renaming a trade advisory committee to prominently feature the plant among specialty crops, indicating a growing recognition of its value as a unique commodity.
The USDA has appointed hemp industry representatives and renamed the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts, and Hemp.
Patrick Atagi, president and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC), called the committee renaming a "huge recognition" by federal officials.
USDA Opens Nominations for Agricultural Trade Advisory Committees and Policy Advisory Committee
The ATACs, jointly appointed by USDA and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), provide advice and recommendations on trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements.
USDA is currently accepting nominations for members of the ATACs and the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) until June 2027.
