Rural Vermont Releases Hemp Survey Results

In August 2018 Rural Vermont sent a survey to all of Vermont’s registered hemp producers and all the folks in the Rural Vermont database who have identified themselves as interested in hemp. The purpose of the survey was to gather information to help inform Rural Vermont’s strategy for engaging in the upcoming public rule-making process. We expect to have a timeline for the rule-making process by the beginning of 2019. Some highlights from the Hemp Survey:

-76% of the survey respondents identified themselves as currently growing hemp and another 11% indicated they plan to grow soon

-More than half are new to growing hemp and most are small-scale producers growing on an acre or less.

-Over 80% are growing hemp primarily for CBD production with food products (33%) and seed (30%) being the next highest uses

-Biggest barriers were identified as: Access to certified seed; access to information and technical assistance; and development of processing infrastructure

-Biggest concerns for the upcoming rulemaking process are: creating a level and fair regulatory environment before the 2019 growing season and establishing an independent third-party testing and quality control program

Please read our Summary Report on the results of the Hemp Survey and contact us with any questions, ideas, or comments you may have.