Agency Agriculture Dept

Contractor University of Minnesota

SWIFT Contract Number 197383

Project Name Industrial Hemp Research Project

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The purpose of this contract was to conduct research into the cultivation, harvest, and processing of oilseed industrial hemp varieties in Minnesota. Specifically, the funds were used to conduct agronomic trials consisting of 12 hemp cultivars at 5 replicates throughout the state. A secondary purpose of the contract was to initiate a breeding program aimed at developing certified seed lines from crosses of Minnesota-adapted feral hemp and imported industrial hemp. The Industrial Hemp Development Act (MS 18K) 2015 created a pilot program for industrial hemp production in Minnesota, and growers have invested hugely in this industry in the past 2 years. However, the here is a distinct lack of knowledge in oilseed production and no MN-specific varieties. Growers need more information on how to grow this crop in our state, how to harvest, how to process, and what products will get the best economic gain. This research is essential for answering these fundamental questions.

Project Duration

Start Date Mon, 09/19/2016 - 00:00

Original end date Fri, 06/30/2017 - 00:00

Actual end date Fri, 06/30/2017 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $77743

Amendments $4100

Contract total $81843

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? 1000 B04312W5 B042G29

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) The contract was for agronomic research, which required a team with experience in academic research, access to agricultural research stations throughout the state, and experience conducting an agricultural variety breeding program. There was no other entity that had all those requirements besides the University of Minnesota. Specifically, Dr. George Weiblen and his research assistants have been working for the past decade on cannabis genetic research and feral hemp collection in the state. No one else has that experience and background necessary to conduct this research.

Evaluator Name Margaret Wiatrowski

Evaluator Email Address margaret.wiatrowski@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The trial plots were planted on time during the target planting week. Each site visit throughout the growing season has been conducted on schedule. The MDA and the UMN researchers have been in contact on a weekly basis, collaborating regarding site visits and ensuring all tasks get done in a timely manner. The harvest date was a moving target, but after researching it, we decided on a good date and I have confidence that harvest will occur at the optimal time.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The final research report has not been written yet, but they have had a high attention to detail throughout the whole project. They have kept meticulous records and provided regular updates as to the progress of the trial plots. The data they have reported so far has been detailed and I have no doubt that the final report will be high quality. The agricultural research station managers have done a great job of keeping the trial plots clean and maintaining good access to the plots. When one of the plots had less than optimal germination of hemp plants, they rectified the situation by replanting.
The researchers have been careful about gathering data and maintaining consistency by making sure the same individual collects all data.

Evaluate the contractor's cost The wide scope of the project necessitated a substantial budget. The team satisfied all contract requirements within the agreed-upon budget. The research results will be very helpful to the all hemp growers and processors in the state. The pay off from the research will be expanded knowledge of hemp production, harvest, and processing in Minnesota of oilseed varieties.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The trial plots were planted in a timely manner and all measurements/evaluations of the plots were conducted on schedule. Harvest has yet to occur, and the final report still needs to be written. We have full confidence that those milestones will be reached without issues. T

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): none

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied