By Andi Anderson
The United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is set to conduct the Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry, reaching over 6,000 U.S. producers starting January 19. The survey aims to gather essential data on hemp production in the United States during 2023, including details on planted and harvested areas, yield, overall production, and the value of hemp.
Nathanial Warenski, the State Statistician at the USDA NASS Indiana Field Office, emphasized the importance of the survey in providing crucial insights into the hemp industry. The data collected will assist various stakeholders such as producers, regulatory agencies, state governments, processors, and other industry entities.
In 2022, NASS estimated the total value of hemp production at $238 million, with 28,314 acres dedicated to industrial hemp cultivation for various purposes. The survey recipients, comprising U.S. producers, are urged to securely respond online at agcounts.usda.gov, by mail, or fax. Those who fail to respond by February 1 may be contacted for interviews to complete the survey.
As per the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, hemp is defined as the plant species Cannabis sativa L. with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. The Domestic Hemp Production Program, established by the same Act, allows for hemp cultivation under specified conditions.
Individual responses to the survey will be kept confidential, complying with federal law. NASS is scheduled to publish the survey data on April 17, 2024, on the NASS website and in the NASS Quick Stats database. Producers seeking assistance with the survey are encouraged to contact the NASS Great Lakes Regional Field Office at 517-324-5300. More information about the 2023 Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry is available on the hemp survey web page at www.nass.usda.gov/go/hemp
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Indiana, Crops