ST. PAUL – State Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, encourages farmers who may be considering growing specialty crops to look into a hemp pilot program the state is conducting.
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, “The Hemp Research Pilot Program studies the growth, cultivation, and marketing of hemp. To better learn about hemp in Minnesota, pilot participants are required to provide reports to the MDA regarding seed varieties planted, agronomic findings, and any processing, distribution and sales of products. The pilot program has been administered by the MDA since 2016.”
Anderson said this opportunity may be attractive to farmers who are looking for additional revenue streams during tight market conditions.
“When the prices on regular crops are down, some may look to alternative crops and hemp could draw some interest,” Anderson said. “The important thing is that, if people are interested, they follow the correct process for applying and participating in this pilot program.”
Visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website, or call the agency at (651) 201-6000 for more.
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