Hemp Seed Meal Approved for Laying Hens — Major Federal Win, State Bureaus Slow Adoption

In a landmark development for the U.S. hemp and poultry industries, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has formally added hemp seed meal (HSM) as an approved feed ingredient for laying hens in its Official Publication. This milestone comes nearly two years after AAFCO’s Ingredient Definition Committee approved HSM for poultry use in January 2024. The listing establishes clear standards—limiting HSM to no more than 2 ppm total THC and 20 ppm total CBD, aligning with FDA‑CVM's safety validation to ensure no cannabinoid transfer into eggs.

Regulatory Victory Meets State-Level Hurdles

While the federal endorsement is a triumph, meaningful commercial adoption remains hindered by state-level bureaucracy. State regulators in several jurisdictions reportedly deny or stall approvals until the AAFCO Official Publication is available in print for a full year—delaying until as late as 2027—despite the ingredient being approved and safe.

Morgan Tweet, CEO of Montana-based IND HEMP, emphasises that these delays “have nothing to do with science or safety; they’re pure bureaucracy standing in the way of market access.” Meanwhile, HFC President Andrew Bish frames the setback as frustrating—but not a deterrent. Every incremental state approval, he notes, brings hemp seed meal closer to being treated as a bona fide agricultural commodity, unlocking new market opportunities for producers and farmers alike.

Shifting Regulatory Pathways

Notably, regulatory procedure is evolving. In 2024, AAFCO and the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine decided not to renew their Memorandum of Understanding, opting instead for separate approval pathways:

• FDA‑CVM: Ingredient Definition pathway
• AAFCO: Science advisory panel in partnership with Kansas State University

Although these pathways are designed to streamline future approvals, the HFC notes launch delays—particularly in the Kansas State framework—raising concerns that progress may stall.

Early State Adoption: Minnesota Leads

Minnesota has emerged as one of the first states to permit hemp seed meal in laying-hen diets, allowing up to 20% inclusion. State regulators align with federal guidelines for cannabinoid limits (2 ppm THC, 20 ppm CBD). With provisional approval, Minnesota opens new market opportunities for local hemp growers and processors.

Benefits & Future Prospects

• Nutrition & Sustainability: HSM is high in protein and fibre—akin to soy and canola—but potentially more sustainable and diversified.
• Research Highlights: Studies, including one from the University of Manitoba, show that diets comprising up to 20% hempseed products do not negatively affect laying hen performance—and may even enrich eggs with omega‑3 fatty acids.
• Next Steps: The HFC is gearing up to submit new applications for ruminants (like cattle), aiming to expand HSM’s market potential beyond poultry.

What This Means for Margaret River Hemp Co.

• Opportunity to Engage: The company is now well-positioned to advocate for HSM adoption within local and international markets.
• Scientific & Regulatory Investment: Patience and investment in state-by-state regulatory outreach could accelerate pathways to broader commercialisation.
• Innovation Potential: Considering expansion into feed for ruminants could further diversify your product line and market reach.

Sources & Further Reading

HempToday article (Aug 11, 2025)

GlobeNewswire release (Aug 7, 2025)

Nebraska TV coverage (Aug 7, 2025)

Feed & Grain

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

THCFarmer research summary