USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has sent out surveys to thousands of hemp producers across the USA for its latest Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry.
Designed to collect information on the total planted and harvested area, yield, production, and value of hemp in the United States last year, this follows on from surveys carried out covering activities in 2022 and 2021.
The last survey report, released in April last year and covering 2022, painted a somewhat grim picture. The area harvested for all industrial hemp purposes totaled 18,251 acres in 2022, down 45 percent from 2022’s report on activities in 2021. The value of floral hemp totaled $179 million in 2022, down 71 percent from 2021.
This time around, the survey was sent to more than 6,000 U.S. producers on Jan. 19. Perhaps reflecting the downturn in the sector, this year’s survey tally is far lower than the 2021 survey sample size, which was 20,501; and 2022’s 9,110.
Those who don’t respond by the beginning of February may be contacted by NASS to arrange an interview, during which the survey will be completed. All information reported by individuals will be kept confidential, as required by federal law.
“The Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry will provide critical data about the hemp industry to assist producers, regulatory agencies, state governments, processors, and other key industry entities,” said Marlo D. Johnson, Director, USDA NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office.
The survey data will support the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service to administer and monitor States and Indian Tribes that are approved for the nation’s Domestic Hemp Production Program. It will also assist the USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Economic Research Service, and USDA Risk Management Agency with their responsibilities related to domestic hemp production.
This survey will collect information for all utilizations of hemp, including flower, grain for human consumption, fiber and seed; both grown in open fields or under protection.
The exercise is to be completed via a form located online at agcounts.usda.gov, accessed by a unique survey code located on the front of the questionnaire sent to respondents.
NASS says it will publish the survey data April 17, 2024 at nass.usda.gov and in the NASS Quick Stats database at quickstats.nass.usda.gov. Further information about the Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry can be found here.
