Industrial hemp is gaining more ground in the U.S., according to the 2025 National Hemp Report, released on April 17 by the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
The report says the total planted area for industrial hemp in the U.S. reached 45,294 acres in 2024 – up 64% from 2023. Likewise, total harvested acres were 32,694 acres last year – up 55% from 2023.
The total value of U.S. hemp production – which includes open (fields) and under protection (such as greenhouses) – totaled $445 million, up 40% from 2023.
Of that $445 million, hemp production in the open was the lion’s share of the value – $417 million – a 46% increase over 2023.
What Is Industrial Hemp?
The National Hemp Report is based on the 2025 Hemp Acreage and Production Survey of 8,153 producers. The survey was conducted during February and March 2025.
As defined in the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill), the term “hemp” means the plant species Cannabis sativa L. and any part of the plant such as seeds, all derivatives and extracts.
Industrial hemp, whether growing or already processed, is characterized by low THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) content, not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Industrial hemp is an ingredient used in supplements, skin creams, and shampoos, among other products containing Cannabidiol, better known as CBD.
The hemp-derived cannabinoid industry supports over 325,000 jobs and $13.2 billion in wages across the U.S., according to Whitney Economics.
Texas leads the country in hemp production, followed by South Dakota.
Four Facets Of Industrial Hemp
The USDA’s 2025 report addresses four facets of industrial hemp, including floral, grain, fiber and seed production.
Floral hemp made the largest production gains in 2024, with U.S. production totaling 20.8 million pounds – a 159% increase over 2023.
The 37-page National Hemp Report says the area harvested for floral hemp in the open was estimated at 11,827 acres, an increase of 60% from 2023. Average floral hemp yields in 2024 reached 1,757 pounds per acre, a gain of 669 pounds per acre over 2023 yield results.
Seed hemp grown in the open made the most significant gain in value last year, jumping 482% to total $16.9 million. With 2,160 acres of hemp for seed in 2024, that marked a 61% increase over 2023.
Seed hemp has a high protein content with a balanced amino acid profile and is used in human dietary supplements. The seed oil is also used in the food, pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic industries.
The Domestic Hemp Production Program, which allows for the cultivation of hemp under certain conditions, was established in the 2018 Farm Bill and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
