1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to agriculture; providing for an industrial 
  1.3             hemp study. 
  1.4   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.5      Section 1.  [INDUSTRIAL HEMP STUDY.] 
  1.6      The director of the agricultural experiment station at the 
  1.7   University of Minnesota, in cooperation with the commissioner of 
  1.8   agriculture, may study the feasibility of industrial hemp 
  1.9   production in Minnesota, including field demonstration 
  1.10  projects.  The study may include an analysis of required soils, 
  1.11  growing conditions, herbicide and pesticide use, seed 
  1.12  availability, harvest methods, market economics, and 
  1.13  environmental benefits.  Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
  1.14  sections 18.75 to 18.87, and chapter 152, the commissioner of 
  1.15  agriculture shall authorize field demonstration projects using 
  1.16  experimental plots as part of the study to develop optimal 
  1.17  agricultural practices for growing industrial hemp in 
  1.18  Minnesota.  The director and the commissioner may cooperate with 
  1.19  nongovernmental entities in conducting the field demonstration 
  1.20  projects.  The director shall report to the senate agriculture 
  1.21  and rural development committee and the house agriculture 
  1.22  committee on the study by January 15, 1999.