The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service sent out its first Hemp Acreage and Production Survey last week to 569 Minnesota producers.

The national hemp survey will collect information on the total planted and harvested area, yield, production and value of hemp in the United States.

“The Hemp Acreage and Production Survey will provide critical data about the hemp industry to assist producers, regulatory agencies, state governments, processors and other key industry entities,” says Dan Lofthus, NASS Minnesota state statistician.

Survey recipients are asked to respond securely online at agcounts.usda.gov, using the 12-digit survey code mailed with the survey. Or, survey recipients can mail completed questionnaires back in the prepaid envelope provided.

Lofthus says a quick turnaround on mailed and online surveys would be appreciated. Data also will be collected by phone through the month of November.

As defined in the 2018 Farm Bill, the term “hemp” refers to the plant species Cannabis sativa L. — and any part of that plant such as the seeds, all derivatives and extracts, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. The Domestic Hemp Production Program in the farm bill allows for the cultivation of hemp under certain conditions.

All information reported by individuals will be kept confidential, as required by federal law. NASS will publish the survey results Feb. 17 on the NASS website and in the NASS Quick Stats searchable database.

For more information about the 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production Survey, visit the hemp survey webpage, bit.ly/nasshempsurvey. For assistance with the survey, producers are encouraged to call the NASS Minnesota field office at 651-728-3113.

Minnesota’s hemp program

The licensing application period for the 2022 Minnesota Hemp Program opens Nov. 1.

MDA is required to collect annual fees for site registration and hemp crop certification. The minimum cost of a grower license is $400 and the minimum cost for a processor license is $500.

First-time applicants need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. Any applicant with a controlled substance-related felony conviction in the previous 10-year period will not be eligible for licensure.

To learn more about the Minnesota hemp program, visit mda.state.mn.us/plants/hemp.