The U.S. Department of Agriculture clarified its policy regarding the organic certification of industrial hemp production this week.

Oklahoma and Tennessee are two of the 14 states that have laws permitting industrial hemp cultivation under restricted conditions. Eight of them specifically permit its commercial cultivation. Another 20 states considered industrial hemp bills in 2015.

Although nonintoxicating and authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill for pilot programs under the supervision of law enforcement, the USDA states that “organic certification of industrial hemp production at this time is premature.”

Hemp advocates argue the crop offers opportunity for struggling rural economies and has a wide variety of applications in plastics, fuel, textiles, food and soil rehabilitation.

Until USDA guidance regarding industrial hemp production under the Farm Bill is completed, the USDA’s National Organic Program organic-accredited certifying agents “may not certify the domestic production of industrial hemp.”

Section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of...