The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to conduct a significant survey aimed at gathering critical data on the hemp industry, with the Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry scheduled to be distributed on January 21, 2025. This initiative, managed by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), will target over 400 hemp producers across six states. States included will be Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
The survey is designed to collect vital information regarding hemp production in the U.S., including metrics on total planted and harvested areas, yield, production volume, and overall market value for the year 2024. Rodger Ott, Director of the Mountain Regional Field Office, emphasized that this inquiry will provide essential data to various stakeholders within the industry, such as producers, regulatory agencies, and processors.
This data collection mirrors the previous year’s Hemp Acreage and Production questionnaire, reflecting a continued commitment to understanding and supporting the evolving hemp sector. According to the 2023 National Hemp Report, the estimated value of hemp production reached $291 million in 2023, a notable increase of 18% from 2022. The report also revealed that the total planted area for industrial hemp was approximately 27,680 acres, with a harvested area of about 21,079 acres.
The USDA’s efforts come in light of evolving regulations surrounding hemp cultivation. Defined under the 2018 Farm Bill as Cannabis Sativa L. with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3%, hemp has seen a resurgence in agricultural interest since its legalization for cultivation under specific conditions. The upcoming survey will provide insights into how potential changes in the forthcoming 2024 Farm Bill may impact production practices and regulatory frameworks.
Producers receiving the survey have been encouraged to respond by January 30 through various channels including an online portal or traditional mail. Non-respondents may be contacted for follow-up interviews to ensure there has been comprehensive data collection. The USDA NASS has also provided contact information for state statisticians to assist producers with inquiries or challenges related to the survey.
The results from this inquiry are set to be published on April 17, 2025, and will be accessible through NASS’s official website and Quick Stats database. This data is crucial not only for understanding current production levels but also for shaping future strategies within the hemp industry.
Since beginning data collection on hemp in its Census of Agriculture in 2022, the first year post-2018 Farm Bill, the USDA has established a framework for ongoing assessment of this burgeoning sector. The Census is conducted every five years and plays a pivotal role in informing policy decisions and resource allocation for hemp producers across the nation.
As the hemp industry continues to grow and adapt to changing regulations and market demands, this upcoming survey represents a key opportunity for stakeholders to contribute valuable insights into their operations. The USDA’s commitment to collecting accurate data will aid in fostering a robust environment for hemp production in the United States, which ultimately benefits both producers and consumers.
