Hemp growers and processors in Minnesota must apply for a license with the state Department of Agriculture by March 31.

This is the fifth year of Minnesota’s Industrial Hemp Program. Last year, 550 people held licenses to grow or process hemp. More than 7,300 acres and 400,000 indoor square feet were planted in Minnesota.

“We believe in the potential of the developing industry,” says Whitney Place, assistant agriculture commissioner. “We want to ensure that everyone who would like to grow and process hemp in Minnesota is able to do so. They simply need to apply by March 31.”

The online application for growers and processors can be found on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website. Along with the online form, first-time applicants need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.

The 2018 Federal Farm Bill legalized hemp as an agricultural commodity. Last fall, USDA released an interim final rule that outlined state and tribal plans for growing the crop. Minnesota is continuing under the existing pilot program in 2020.

Questions about the MDA’s Hemp Program? Send an email to [email protected] or call 651-201-6600.

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