U.S. Hemp Production Valued at $824 Million in 2021
The 2021 Hemp Survey shows robust value despite reduced acreage harvested.
In February 2022, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the first national Hemp Acreage & Production Survey. The report valued 2021 U.S. hemp production at $824 million, with 54,152 acres planted and 33,480 acres harvested.
The U.S. hemp industry reached an important milestone in 2021 when the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) published its first comprehensive Hemp Acreage & Production Survey. The report, released on February 17, 2022, provided an official snapshot of America’s hemp sector just three years after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp nationwide.
According to the survey, U.S. farmers planted 54,152 acres of hemp in open fields, while 33,480 acres were successfully harvested. In total, hemp grown both outdoors and in protected environments (such as greenhouses and high tunnels) contributed to a market value of $824 million in 2021.
A breakdown of the report showed:
- Floral hemp (primarily for CBD and smokable flower) dominated production, valued at $623 million.
- Fiber hemp, used in textiles, paper, and construction materials, contributed a smaller share but signaled long-term industrial potential.
- Seed and grain hemp, used for food, beverages, and nutritional products, accounted for the remainder of production value.
While the valuation marked a significant step for the hemp industry, the report also highlighted ongoing challenges. Harvested acreage had declined compared to the boom years of 2019 and 2020, reflecting market oversupply, volatile pricing, and regulatory uncertainty. Farmers continued to face difficulties accessing banking services, securing crop insurance, and establishing processing infrastructure.
Despite these obstacles, the NASS survey underscored hemp’s growing role as a sustainable alternative crop. With its versatility across food, health, textiles, and industrial markets, hemp remains a key focus for U.S. agriculture — even as the industry works through the challenges of scaling up responsibly.
Reference
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Newsroom/archive/2022/02-17-2022.php
