0270 - Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry - SSB - 2024 051724

Supporting Statement – Part B

HEMP PRODUCTION AND DISPOSITION INQUIRY

OMB No. 0535-0270

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

Sampling Frame

The Hemp Target population are all U.S. operations that produce Hemp.  The Hemp Sampling Frame comprises active and potential farm operations in all states on NASS’s List Frame that have current NASS List Frame Hemp positive control data values; or current NASS List Frame AMS, RMA or FSA Hemp indicators.   

The overall response rate for the 2023 survey was 63.1%. The internet response rate was 8.0%. The National Hemp Report Methodology and Quality Measures publication is link below.

National Hemp Report Methodology and Quality Measures 05/16/2024 (usda.gov)

Background

Marijuana – Cannabis - is a plant that produces resin containing cannabinoids which produces drug like effects in the body. Two of the many cannabinoids are: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They are both psychoactive cannabinoids; however, unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and non-euphoric. Different cannabis varieties produce different levels of CBD and THC. Hemp is a cannabis variety that produces relatively high CBD levels and relatively low THC (less than 0.3%) levels. CBD oil extracted from Hemp leaves and flowers are used for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, the fiber in Hemp stalks are used in the manufacturing of clothing, rope, bedding materials, particle boards, ceiling panels and other industrial materials; and Hemp seeds are used to produce edible items such as vitamins, flour and milk.

2014 Farm Bill

Under the 2014 Farm Bill (Agricultural Improvement Act of 2014), State Departments of Agriculture and higher education institutions – up until January 1, 2022 – can participate in a Hemp Research Pilot Program (The 2014 Farm Bill does not include Indian Tribes).

2018 Farm Bill

Under the 2018 Farm Bill (Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018), USDA is responsible for the administration of the Hemp Production Program. Under this program, States and Indian Tribes may have primary regulatory responsibilities. However, they are required to submit their domestic Hemp Production Plans - to meet monitoring and regulation compliance - to the USDA - Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for approval (AMS will be responsible for producers in States and Tribes that do not take primary responsibility for Hemp Production).

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

• statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

• estimation procedure,

• degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

• unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures

Overview – As with all NASS surveys, the goal is to collect data from at least 80% of the records sampled and more importantly, achieve a weighted unit response rate of at least 70% of the production data or production area. We utilize mail, Computer Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI), and phone interviews to collect data. In our ongoing effort to collect quality data in a timely and economic manner, NASS utilizes mail as the first method of data collection (with a CAWI option) with phone interview follow up for non-response.

Sampling – The Hemp Target Population are all US growers who are licensed – by United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - to produce Hemp in 2023. The 2023 AMS License list is considered reliable, but some uncertainty still exists. So, the AMS License list will be supplemented by previously captured NASS’s List Frame Hemp information and Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) Hemp lists.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Directors of NASS State and Regional Field Offices, along with HQ commodity statisticians, attend numerous industry meetings throughout the year to promote the importance of NASS data, discuss how operations use the data to make operating decisions, and explain how the data are used by government agencies to make policy decisions that impact the dairy industry. Respondents are encouraged to participate in all NASS surveys so that the data are as accurate as possible.

NASS relies on multiple modes for collecting data. The questionnaires are mailed to the respondents who can either return them by postage paid envelope, email, fax, Computer Aided Web Interviewing, or telephone. If we have not received a response within the allotted time, phone enumerators will be used to contact the respondents.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken.

Periodically, NASS conducts cognitive interviews with farm or ranch operators to see if the questionnaires are being interpreted in the manner in which they are intended.  In addition, NASS measures the time it takes the respondent to complete the survey as well as any questions they need to access their operations records in order to complete the survey. New questionnaires, and new questions and other significant changes in existing questionnaires, are tested prior to their implementation.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Survey sample sizes are determined by the Sampling and Frame Development Section and reviewed and approved by NASS Survey Teams. The Agency's Sampling, Editing and Imputation Methodology Branch, Methods Division; Branch Chief is Andrew Dau, (202) 720-6482.

Data collection is carried out by NASS Regional Field Offices; Eastern Field Operation’s Director is Jody McDaniel, (202) 720-3638 and the Western Field Operation’s Director is King Whetstone, (202) 720-8220.

The NASS Survey Administration Branch, Census and Survey Division; Branch Chief is Suzanne Avilla, (202) 720-4028. The Survey Administrator is responsible for coordination of sampling, questionnaires, data collection, training, Interviewers Manual, Survey Administration Manual, data processing, and other Field Office support.

Survey data are collected, reviewed, and summarized by the Regional Field Offices. Publications are released from the Regional Offices and Headquarters.

Survey design and methodology are determined by the Summary, Estimation, and Disclosure Methodology Branch, Methods Division; Branch Chief is Lindsay Drunasky, (202) 720-7675.

May 2024

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