Growing Hemp in 2025: Updates

Permitting in PA

In 2024, Pennsylvania issued 183 hemp growing permits and 38 processing permits.  Seventeen of these were for research purposes (sixteen growing, one processing). Among these permits, approximately 84% were for cannabinoid production, 26% for fiber, and 12% for grain.

For those of you gearing up to grow hemp again in 2025, you'll find a few changes in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's permitting program from last year. First-timers will want to familiarize themselves with the application process and regulations for growing at the Commonwealth's hemp website.

As a reminder, the hemp grower and processor permit applications are now accepted on a rolling basis. This will also be the third year that renewing growers can apply to be part of the performance-based sampling program, which allows for the production of low-risk varieties without the requirement to test every lot grown for THC compliance. The Department has three categories of performance-based sampling available:

1. for growers of micro-greens, greens, and hemp transplants;
2. for researchers;
3. for growers of fiber and grain varieties. 

All growers should be sure to review the 2025 Hemp Varieties of Concern and Prohibited Varieties list for updates, which shows nine newly prohibited and twelve new concerning varieties since the 2024 field season.

It is a good idea to keep all your pertinent hemp-growing documentation together in a place that is easy to locate.  In the event of a site inspection, you'll be required to produce the pertinent records listed on pages 14 and 15 of the General Permit Standards and Requirements for Hemp. 

Hemp Production Survey

The USDA recently mailed a survey to all hemp-growing permit holders. "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 David Knopf, Director of the NASS Northeastern Regional Field Office. The survey, which can be completed on paper or online, is critical to helping funding agencies and researchers determine the priorities of their work depending on industry needs. It is critical that your operation is counted to show the importance of PA hemp farmers.  If you have any trouble with the survey, a NASS field enumerator may be able to help you complete it.

Influencing Hemp Priorities in PA

If you are interested in helping to shape the future of the hemp industry in Pennsylvania, consider joining the PA Hemp Steering Committee.  Find out more information or sign up.