Santa Fe, NM – Today, the interim Economic and Rural Development Committee held their second meeting of the year and received updates on New Mexico’s growing hemp industry. The committee heard from entrepreneurs in the hemp industry, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and the New Mexico Environment Department.

“From the high desert seed research at New Mexico State University, to entrepreneurs developing value-added products, New Mexico is out front nationally on developing a thriving hemp industry,” said Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque), Vice Chair of the Interim Economic and Rural Development Committee.

Earlier this year, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 581 into law, sponsored by Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo) – a bill that expands the hemp industry and creates clear standards for the production, testing, research, manufacturing, and transporting of hemp in New Mexico.

The committee also received a tour of Rich Global Hemp in Mesilla Park, New Mexico. The company recently opened their facility in Doña Ana County, bringing jobs to southern New Mexico and boosting research and education opportunities in the state.