USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Announces Request for Extension of Hemp Production Information Collection

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of Agriculture published a notice in the Federal Register on November 12, 2026, announcing its intention to request an extension and revision of an approved information collection titled Survey of Hemp Producers and Production Trends. The public comment period for this notice remains open until January 11, 2027, giving stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the proposed data collection activities.

Background and Statutory Authority

The statutory framework for the Domestic Hemp Production Program stems from the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. Section 10113 of the legislation amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 by adding Subtitle G, which mandates that the Department of Agriculture establish regulations and guidelines for domestic hemp production. This includes overseeing state and tribal plans alongside a federal plan for jurisdictions without their own approved programs. Furthermore, the statute requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit annual reports to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry regarding implementation updates.

Survey Methodology and Purpose

The information collection in question involves the Hemp Production Practices and Costs Study. Prepared by the University of Kentucky under a cooperative agreement with the Specialty Crops Program of the Agricultural Marketing Service, the survey functions as a national census-style effort. It gathers data on production practices and operational costs from producers across all segments of the industry, including fiber, grain, and floral production. Agency officials state that the survey supports rulemaking needs, fulfills congressional reporting mandates, and closes longstanding data gaps within the federal oversight framework.

Burden Estimates and Public Participation

Federal estimates place the public reporting burden at approximately 0.5 hours per response. The agency anticipates reaching out to roughly 4,010 respondents, encompassing individuals representing households, businesses, farms, ranches, or organizations registered to grow hemp under state, tribal, or federal programs. The total estimated annual burden amounts to 2,010 hours across 4,019 responses. Interested parties may submit written comments to the USDA Specialty Crops Program Hemp Branch in Washington, DC, or electronically via the federal rulemaking portal at regulations.gov under docket number AMS-SC-26-1981.

Forward-Looking Context

As the expiration date for the current Office of Management and Budget approval approaches at the end of November 2026, the renewal process highlights the ongoing administrative requirements governing the emerging commercial hemp sector. Feedback gathered during the public comment window will inform the final submission to the Office of Management and Budget. The continued collection of standardized economic and agricultural data will likely remain central to future federal policymaking, legislative oversight, and regulatory adjustments concerning industrial hemp and specialty crops.