Hemp Production; Sign Posting; Reporting Requirements

Hemp that is produced for Research is not subject to the sign posting and reporting requirements in 330 CMR 32.04; provided that the Licensed Researcher adopts and carries out an approved alternative reporting plan as described in 330 CMR 32.03(6). (2) Prior to Planting a Crop, the following information must be provided to the Department: (a) Documentation showing the Hemp or Hemp Stock has been tested and shows an Acceptable Hemp THC Level; and (b) Any additional information that the Department deems necessary prior to Production. (3) Sign Posting. (a) A Department-approved sign must be posted at conspicuous points of entry to the Site(s) where the Crop is Produced. (b) In instances where fields abut a public way, a sign must be posted, at a minimum, every 200 feet. (c) Signs should be at least 14 inches by 16 inches with letters one inch high and contain, at a minimum, the following: 1. Statement “Crop grown in this field is Hemp that is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.”; 2. Department issued License number; Emergency contact information (Name and phone number) for the Licensee; and 4. Department contact information. (4) Reporting Information to the Department. (a) No later than ten days after Planting of the Crop, a Planting Report must be submitted to the Department. (b) The Department must be notified no later than 21 days before anticipated start of harvest using a method prescribed by the Department. (c) Volunteer Plants must be monitored and destroyed if they are outside of the Site. (d) An end-of-year report must be submitted to the Department no later than December 15th indicating, at a minimum, the following information, regardless of intent to renew: 1. Variety of Crop Grown; 2. Harvest start date; 3. Harvest end date; 4. Total area of hemp planted; 5. Total area of hemp harvested in acres or square feet; 6. Harvest yield in dry weight; and 7. Description of Volunteer Plants, if any occurred, and how they were managed. (e) If no Hemp is Produced at the Site, a Planting Report for that growing location must be submitted to the Department no later than September 1st. (5) Reporting Information to FSA (a) Crop acreage must be reported to FSA as required by the 7 CFR Part 990, as amended, and shall provide, at minimum, the following information: Acreage dedicated to the production of Hemp, or greenhouse or indoor square footage dedicated to the production of Hemp; and 2. License number. (b) A record of submission to the FSA shall be kept for three years and made available to the Department upon request.