STATE OF MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JESSE VENTURA
130 Capitol, 75 Constitution Avenue
Saint Paul, Minneapolis
Contact: John Wodele (651) 296-0001

September 30, 1999

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Clinton:

It is no secret that farmers in Minnesota and around the country are looking for creative answers to the farm crisis. Prices for corn, soybeans and other commodities continue to wallow far below break-even levels, and for an alarming number of producers, the financial crunch is devastating. Minnesota farmers pride themselves on their self-sufficiency, and as days go by, more and more of them are looking for new ways to attack the price problem. For many, the idea of growing alternative crops is attractive.

The 1999 Minnesota Legislature passed a law directing the Governor, in consultation with the Commissioners of Agriculture and Economic Development, to prepare an application to the federal government to authorize growing experimental and demonstration plots of industrial hemp. After researching the federal permitting process, we learned that individual producers must apply on their own, and that a state cannot apply for a general permit.
See
Ventura Signs Bill Seeking Federal Permission To Cultivate Hemp

In the next few weeks, my administration will hold a public meeting to talk with interested farmer about the state and federal permitting process required to grow industrial hemp. We are also exploring opportunities to streamline the permitting process. The hope is that experimental plots will one day lead to an exciting economic opportunity for Minnesota farmers to produce this potential alternative crop that once thrived around the world.

Industrial hemp is a hardy crop that was once grown around the world for a wide variety of uses. In America, it was grown during World War II for fiber. Today, industrial hemp products are being sold across the nation, yet few states have actually passed legislation allowing the crop to be raised.

Industrial hemp has a number of uses, ranging from construction materials and cosmetics to papers and textiles. According to a study completed by North Dakota State University’s Institute for Natural Resources and Economic Development, retailer sold $75 million in hemp products in 1997. This figure is estimated to grow to $250 million by next year. Clearly, additional research and development needs to be done with regard to marketing and processing opportunities, but I believe that industrial hemp can become a lucrative alternative for Minnesota farmers.

Our neighbors in Canada are ahead of us in the effort to establish industrial hemp as an alternative crop for farmers. They have already given their producers the opportunity to grow industrial hemp, and I understand their process is working well. Given the success we have seen in Canada and the continuing economic challenges Minnesota farmers face, I am anxious to move forward on the opportunity to grow experimental and demonstration plots of industrial hemp. I look forward to the day when our producers can grow this crop as a profitable alternative to corn, soybeans and wheat. I anticipate that a crop of industrial hemp from Minnesota could be used to fulfill many of the 25,000 documented uses for this crop.
See
Health Canada Has Received 750 Applications From Farmers To Grow Industrial Hemp,
And Has Approved More Than Two-Thirds Of Them.

I realize the production of industrial hemp raises concerns in the area of public safety. I have asked the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to work with the DEA to address those concerns directly. However, as we address those concerns we must be careful not to over-regulate or make industrial hemp production prohibitively cost for farmers -- otherwise all our efforts could be wasted.

I look forward to working with DEA and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, which regulates the use of controlled substances, to ensure that our producers can grow experimental plots safely and without unnecessarily burdensome regulations. Our producers are looking for economic alternatives, and government should not stand in their way. I hope that by working together in a fair and rational manner, we can create a viable opportunity for industrial hemp production in Minnesota.

Sincerely,

Jesse Ventura

Governor

cc: U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman
Drug Enforcement Agency Acting Administrator Donnie Marshal

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GOVERNOR JESSE VENTURA ANNOUNCES HEMP SEMINAR

Contact John Wodele: (651) 296-0001

(St. Paul, MN) Governor Ventura today announced that an informational seminar will be held on November 19, 1999, to reach individual farmers how to apply for a permit to grow industrial hemp.

The time and venue of the seminar will be announced in the next two weeks.

The informational seminar is in response to legislation passed by the 1999 Minnesota Legislature requiring the state to apply by September 30 for a federal permit to grow industrial hemp. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently informed Minnesota officials that a state cannot apply for a general blanket permit. Rather, individual farmers must apply directly to the DEA and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy for a permit to grow experimental plots of industrial hemp.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioners Gene Hugoson and Trade and Economic Development Commissioner Jerry Carlson will co-host the November 19 seminar, giving farmers tips on how to apply for the federal and state permits they will need to grow experimental plots.

They will also discuss any special conditions DEA has set for lawful cultivation of the crop.

The Governor also sent a letter to President Clinton today, in which he explained the state’s interest in industrial hemp production and the need for federal cooperation in the matter. With the continuing low prices for traditional commodities such as corn and soybeans, Governor Ventura said the seminar and letter represent another step toward the goal of providing profitable alternatives to Minnesota’s struggling agriculture community.

"Farmers are facing a lot of challenges right now, and it’s our role in state government to do what we can to give them the economic tools they need to succeed," Governor Ventura said. "We see industrial hemp as another item they might want to add to their toolbox. It may not be the answer for everyone, but it has potential as an alternative to traditional crops.