Common service categories
- Compliance sampling and THC testing: required before harvest under federal and state hemp programs.
- Custom harvesting and baling: for growers without hemp-ready equipment.
- Toll processing: decortication, grain cleaning, dehulling or pressing for a fee.
- Logistics and storage: bale and bulk hauling, and dry, covered storage.
- Design and engineering: architects and engineers experienced with hemp-lime and biobased materials.
- Business, agronomy and regulatory consulting.
Testing laboratories
Under USDA’s hemp rules, compliance testing must be done by a DEA-registered laboratory. USDA has delayed enforcing that registration requirement until December 31, 2026. Testing itself is still required, and state programs may set their own lab rules. Confirm your lab is accepted by your licensing program before you sample.
How to vet a provider
- Relevant licenses, registrations and insurance.
- Experience with industrial hemp specifically, with references.
- A written scope: deliverables, timeline, price basis and who carries the risk if the crop or material is lost.
- Service area and capacity during your harvest window.
- For labs: accreditation, accepted methods and turnaround time.
Quick checklist for suppliers
- Service scope, geography, experience and capacity
- Relevant licenses, qualifications, deliverables and lead times
Describe your project, location, timeline and required deliverables.
Frequently asked questions
Do hemp testing labs need DEA registration?
USDA’s hemp rules require compliance testing by a DEA-registered laboratory, but USDA has delayed enforcing that requirement until December 31, 2026. State programs may have their own lab requirements.
What is toll processing in hemp?
Toll processing means paying a processor to decorticate stalks or clean, dehull or press grain that you own, rather than selling your crop to them.
How do I vet an industrial hemp service provider?
Check licenses and insurance, ask for hemp-specific references, get a written scope with deliverables, timeline and risk allocation, and confirm capacity during your harvest window.
Sources
Sources reviewed November 14, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, engineering or purchasing advice.