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Category: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Minnesota Hemp Growers and Processors Must Apply by April 30 for 2025 Season

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Hemp field. Photo by NickyPe from Pixabay.

Licenses are for industrial hemp only

Those wanting to grow and process hemp in Minnesota in 2025 must apply for a license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) by April 30. Each license is valid only through December 31 of the year it is issued. Licensees must reapply annually to remain in the program. A license from the MDA is required for individuals and businesses.

As of April 2, 2025, about 50 people have applied for a 2025 MDA license. In 2024, there were 183 applicants.

These licenses are for growing and processing industrial hemp only. The hemp grower or processor application is not for the growth or sale of adult-use or medical cannabis. The application is also not intended for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Adult-use and medical cannabis information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/cannabis/index.html.

The industrial hemp application can be found on the MDA website: https://mn.gov/ocm/. Along with the online form, first-time applicants and authorized representatives need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.

Growers and processors need to be aware of the following for 2025:

  • All authorized representatives designated by the applicant must pass a criminal history background check prior to the issuance of a license.
  • Every lot of hemp grown requires pre-harvest THC regulatory testing. Each official regulatory sample collected by the MDA will cost $100.
  • The MDA licenses processors that handle raw hemp and initially process it by extraction, decortication, devitalization, crushing, or packaging, and the department will continue random inspections of processor locations.
  • License fees will remain the same for new and returning applicants plus a 5% surcharge to support the modernization of the MDA’s technology systems. The minimum cost of a grower license is $400. A processing license is a minimum of $500.

Questions about the MDA’s Industrial Hemp Program should be sent to hemp.mda@state.mn.us or 651-201-6600.

Background

Industrial hemp, hemp, cannabis, adult-use cannabis and marijuana are all types of the same plant, Cannabis sativa. Industrial hemp differs by the concentration level of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within the plant containing 0.3% total THC or less, and levels above that are considered adult-use cannabis or marijuana. MDA does not license or oversee the manufacture or sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid extracts and products. They are regulated by the Office of Cannabis Management.

Applications Open for Minnesota’s 2025 Industrial Hemp Program

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Hemp plant. Image by herbalhemp from Pixabay.

Online applications are now open for anyone wanting to grow or process hemp in Minnesota in 2025. A license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is required for individuals and businesses.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025, and a license is valid for the 2025 calendar year.

The application can be found on the MDA website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/hemp. Along with the online form, first-time applicants and authorized representatives need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. These licenses are for growing and processing industrial hemp only. The hemp grower or processor application is not for the growth or sale of adult-use or medical cannabis. The application is also not intended for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Adult-use cannabis information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management website: https://mn.gov/ocm/.

Growers and processors need to be aware of the following for 2025:

  • All authorized representatives designated by the applicant must pass a criminal history background check prior to the issuance of a license.
  • Every lot of hemp grown requires pre-harvest THC regulatory testing. Each official regulatory sample collected by the MDA will cost $100.
  • The MDA licenses processors that handle raw hemp and initially process it by extraction, decortication, devitalization, crushing, or packaging, and the department will continue random inspections of processor locations.
  • License fees will remain the same. The minimum cost of a grower license is $400. A processing license is a minimum of $500. A five percent license surcharge is being added to support the modernization of the MDA’s technology systems which will provide better online services and more efficient processing of applications.

While the deadline to apply or renew is April 30, 2025, those actively growing hemp plants indoors past December 31, 2024, must renew their license before expiration at the end of the year.

Questions about the MDA’s Industrial Hemp Program should be sent to hemp.mda@state.mn.us or 651-201-6600.

Organic Cost Share Application Period Opens

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Organic farmers and handlers are eligible for rebate

Minnesota organic farmers and handlers currently certified through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program may be eligible for a rebate of up to 75 percent of their certification costs.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Organic Certification Cost-Share Program is open to Minnesota operations that received organic certification (or had ongoing certification) between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. The program provides reimbursement for up to 75 percent of certification-related expenses, with a maximum of $750 per category (crop, livestock, processing/handling, and wild harvest).

Applications for the cost-share are due October 31, 2024. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and come from a cooperative agreement with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Interested farmers or handlers can review full program and application details on the MCA’s cost share program web page: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/orgcertcostshare. Applicants who do not wish to apply through the MDA may apply through their local FSA Office. Questions can be directed to Cassie Dahl at Cassie.Dahl@state.mn.us or 651-201-6134.

Organic certification is a third-party verification system that assures consumers the organic products they buy are produced in accordance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations must follow National Organic Standards and are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year.

For those transitioning a farm operation to organic, the MDA also offers the Minnesota Transition to Organic Cost-Share Program: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-transition-organic-cost-share-program.

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Read about MCIA’s Organic Services here: https://www.mncia.org/services-programs/organic-services.

Help is Available for Minnesota Producers Facing Times of Stress

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MDA offers free, confidential tools to navigate farm challenges

For Minnesota farmers and livestock producers experiencing times of stress due to business and financial challenges, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers a reminder of free, confidential tools that are available to help.

“From low commodity prices and extreme weather to continued threats like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Minnesota’s farmers and their families face a wide range of unique stressors that can have ripple effects in all areas of life,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “You do not have to navigate times of hardship on your own. I encourage farmers and their families to make use of the MDA’s resources designed to support you.”

The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is open to anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression. Calls are answered 24/7 by trained counselors who can lend a listening ear or connect you with help for business, financial, or legal problems. Call 833-600-2670 or text “FARMSTRESS” to 898211 to get started.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a crisis caused by either a natural disaster or financial problems, contact one of the MDA’s nine Farm Advocates. They know all about agricultural lending practices, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling, disaster programs, and to recognize the need for legal and/or social services.

Minnesota also has Ted Matthews and Monica McConkey, experienced, ag-focused mental health providers who offer confidential counseling services at no cost to farm individuals, couples, or families anywhere in the state. Sessions can take place in person, on Zoom, or over the phone, and insurance is not needed. They have helped hundreds of Minnesota farmers and farm family members over the years.

For financial assistance, the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) provides a variety of low-interest loans, including one for disaster relief. The MDA also posts a number of grant opportunities throughout the year, such as the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant, which can help improve, update, and modernize livestock operation infrastructure and equipment.

Specific to dairy farms, Dairy Business Planning Grants cover 50 percent of your cost to hire a qualified, independent third party to create a business plan for your operation or test for stray voltage. Dairy Profit Teams provide planning and problem-solving services throughout Minnesota.

To learn more about all of the state resources that are available to help in times of stress, visit www.minnesotafarmstress.com, or contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670 or by texting “FARMSTRESS” to 898211.

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Annual Treatment Cycle for Invasive Plant Species

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Invasive plant management occurs throughout the year and depends on the growth habit and lifecycle of the species.

Reposted from MDA’s Weed of the Month Series

By Maya Sarkar, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

It’s been a warm winter in Minnesota and our plant life is celebrating spring early this year. While it’s still fairly quiet in the plant world compared to our main summer growing season, it’s a great time to get started on controlling some invasive plant species.

Invasive plant management occurs throughout the year and depends on the growth, habit, and lifecycle of the species. Plant types include woody, herbaceous annual, herbaceous biennial, or herbaceous perennial plants.

  • Spring is a great time to pull garlic mustard before it seeds. It’s also a good time to use prescribed fire to burn invasive plants before many native prairie plants emerge.
  • Summer months are ideal for controlling plants that are accessible and actively growing but haven’t produced seed yet, such as spotted knapweed.
  • Fall is a good time to spray herbaceous biennials and perennials because they will move herbicide along with carbohydrates into their roots as they store energy for spring emergence.
  • In the winter, while herbaceous plants are dormant it can be advantageous to cut and treat woody vines, such as roundleaf bittersweet.

While accessibility is one planning factor for treatment, there are numerous other considerations, including:

  • Knowing which treatment method will be most effective depending on the lifecycle stage of the plant.
  • Spraying outside of the plant’s bloom window to avoid spraying pollinators. Another way to avoid pollinators is to spray early in the morning before pollinators are active.
  • Having the correct materials, equipment, and sufficient time to complete a treatment thoroughly.

The following is a helpful general treatment guideline for the seasons when it comes to general characteristics of an invasive species, including growth, habit, and lifecycle.

Graphic courtesy Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Each season has unique weed management techniques that can be used to control noxious weeds. 

Additional online resources:

Minnesota Hemp Growers and Processors Must Apply by April 30 for 2024 Season

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Hemp plant. Image by herbalhemp from Pixabay.

Licenses are for industrial hemp only

Those wanting to grow and process hemp in Minnesota in 2024 must apply for a license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) by April 30. To date, about 113 people have applied for an MDA license. A license from the MDA is required for individuals and businesses.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2024, and a license is valid for the 2024 calendar year.

The application can be found on the MDA website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/hemp. Along with the online form, first-time applicants and authorized representatives need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. These licenses are for growing and processing industrial hemp only.

The hemp grower or processor application is not for the growth or sale of adult-use or medical cannabis. The application is also not intended for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Adult-use cannabis information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management website: https://cannabis.state.mn.us. Information related to medical cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoid products can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/cannabis/index.html.

Growers and processors need to be aware of the following for 2024:

  • All authorized representatives designated by the applicant must pass a criminal history background check prior to the issuance of a license.
  • Every lot of hemp grown requires pre-harvest THC regulatory testing. Each official regulatory sample collected by the MDA will cost $100.
  • The MDA licenses processors that handle raw hemp and initially process it by extraction, decortication, devitalization, crushing, or packaging, and the department will continue random inspections of processor locations.
  • License fees will remain the same. The minimum cost of a grower license is $400. A processing license is a minimum of $500.

Questions about the MDA’s Industrial Hemp Program should be sent to hemp.mda@state.mn.us or 651-201-6600.

Background

Industrial hemp and marijuana are both types of the same plant, Cannabis sativa. They differ by the concentration level of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within the plant. Hemp has less than 0.3% THC, and levels above that are considered marijuana.

Minnesota operated under a hemp pilot program from 2016–2020. In 2021, the program began operating under a new, federally-approved state plan that governs production and regulation. Minnesota Industrial Hemp Program Licensing and Acreage Statistics are available on the 2023 Hemp Program Annual Report: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/docs/2024-03/2023_MDA_Hemp_Program_Report.

MDA Offers Mini-Grant for Produce Growers

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Reimbursement possible for water testing, harvest supplies, and other expenses

Minnesota produce farmers who improve their on-farm food safety systems may be eligible to reimburse those expenses through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s 2024 Produce Safety Mini-Grant, which is now accepting applications.

The Produce Safety Mini-Grant will distribute a total of approximately $33,600. Awardees will receive up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required.

To be eligible, applicants must be produce growers farming in Minnesota, who grow and sell one or more of the following crops: leafy greens, apples, berries, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, herbs, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, or tomatoes.

Applicants must also have completed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program Grower Questionnaire at least once between 2021–2024.

Expenses must occur on or after October 1, 2023, or be planned to take place before August 2, 2024. Examples of eligible expenses include:

  • Supplies to build or purchase a portable handwashing station
  • Harvest totes or collection tools
  • Water testing for generic coli
  • Consultation fees for developing an on-farm food safety plan
  • Waxed boxes and market containers

Additional information and the online application are available on the MDA website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/minigrant.

Farmers can contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at 651-539-3648 to request a paper copy. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on March 30, 2024.

Minnesota Farmers Encouraged to Take Part in Annual Survey

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Survey focuses on best management practices for corn and soybean farmers

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is encouraging farmers to take part in its annual pesticide and fertilizer survey. This year the survey will focus on best management practices (BMPs) for corn and soybean farmers. The data being collected helps the MDA track the awareness, adoption, and use of nitrogen and pesticide BMPs and provides guidance to education and research programs.

The mailed survey is being sent to the 7,600 Minnesota farmers selected for this project. Farmers who have not returned their questionnaire by mail will be contacted by phone after March 15.

The survey is conducted for the MDA by the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service out of their regional offices.

Minnesota farmers may be getting calls from multiple agencies and companies conducting a variety of surveys this time of year, but the information gathered from this survey is critical for research and educational purposes.

If you have questions about the MDA’s annual survey, or if you wish to view results of previous surveys, visit the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticidefertilizersurveys. Producers can also call the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651-955-4066 from 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Saturday.

Resources for Invasive Plant Identification and Management

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Minnesota Noxious Weed book is a great source for learning about invasive plants in Minnesota.

Information compiled by Monika Chandler, reposted from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Weed of the Month.

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Invasive plants are non-native and cause harm. Many invasive plant species in Minnesota are regulated as noxious weeds. Most of us encounter invasive plants in our communities when we are out recreating or working outdoors. Fortunately, there are resources to help us identify and manage invasive plants.

Basic invasive plant identification, regulation, and management:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s online book “Minnesota Noxious Weeds” is helpful for learning about priority invasive plant species in our state.

New York Botanical Garden’s online book “Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes” uses photographs and simple guidance to highlight visual differences between invasive and similar looking native plants.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed List has links to individual species pages with summary information and pictures. University of Minnesota Extension has an Identify Invasive and Non-Native Species page, with links to many additional resources.

For control and management information, see the Invasive Plant Control Database by the Midwest Invasive Plant Network.

Resources for invasive plant botany:

Minnesota Wildflowers’ website and app are helpful plant identification tools.

The Flora of North America is a valuable resource and even has a page enabling species identification comparisons.

Minnesota’s state botanist, Welby Smith, authored excellent books on plant identification that include invasive species, particularly in the book Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota. This book is available in the public library system.

Invasive plant mapping websites and apps:

iNaturalist and EDDMapS are interactive websites and apps that have identification and distribution information. iNaturalist includes native plants as well. Their apps are free to download in the Google Play and Apple App stores.

Winter is a good time of year to brush up on plant ID and plan invasive plant control projects. The above resources and the many other available books, websites, and videos will be helpful for invasive plant identification and management.

Applications Open for Minnesota’s 2024 Industrial Hemp Program

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Hemp plant. Image by herbalhemp from Pixabay.

Online applications are now open for anyone wishing to grow or process hemp in Minnesota in 2024. A license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is required for individuals and businesses.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2024, and a license is valid for the 2024 calendar year.

The application can be found on the MDA website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/hemp. Along with the online form, first-time applicants and authorized representatives need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. These licenses are for growing and processing industrial hemp only.

The hemp grower or processor application is not for the growth or sale of adult-use or medical cannabis. The application is also not intended for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Adult-use cannabis information can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management website: https://cannabis.mn.gov.

Information related to medical cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoid products can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/cannabis.

Growers and processors need to be aware of the following for 2024:

  • All authorized representatives designated by the applicant must pass a criminal history background check prior to the issuance of a license.
  • Every lot of hemp grown requires pre-harvest THC regulatory testing. Each official regulatory sample collected by the MDA will cost $100.
  • The MDA licenses processors that handle raw hemp and initially process it by extraction, decortication, devitalization, crushing or packaging, and the department will continue random inspections of processor locations.
  • License fees will remain the same. The minimum cost of a grower license is $400. A processing license is a minimum of $500.
  • While the deadline to apply or renew is April 30, 2024, those actively growing hemp plants indoors past December 31, 2023, must renew their license before expiration at the end of the year.

Questions about the MDA’s Industrial Hemp Program should be sent to hemp.mda@state.mn.us or call 651-201-6600.