Minnesota growers or processors looking to cultivate hemp for the 2022 growing season must apply for a license through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) by April 30.

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In addition to the application, first-time applicants must undergo a background check and submit fingerprints. Individuals growing on tribal reservations that do not have an approved hemp plan must obtain a license from the tribe or USDA.

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According to Echo Press, growers and processors can also expect some changes to the 2022 program, which include:

The fee for testing THC per grower sample has been reduced from $125 to $100;growers will now be charged for the first sample collected;the MDA will now begin to inspect processor locations;and the minimum cost of a processing license is $500, $250 for the license fee and $250 for the location.]]>