AgHS Chief Legislative Strategist Courtney N. Moran, LL.M. spent 4 days in Washington D.C. this month, lobbying in support of the Industrial Hemp Act of 2023, S. 980, H.R. 3755. She visited over 70 offices, including every member of the House Agriculture Committee!
She was joined by National Hemp Association Chair Geoff Whaling for key meetings with the House Agriculture Committee Chair and Ranking Member, as well as with USDA Secretary Vilsack's office.
Our meetings were very positive, with folks clearly understanding the difference between industrial hemp and cannabinoid hemp and the need for an updated regulatory framework for grain and fiber industrial hemp.
We look forward to our continued collaboration with Congress as we work toward the introduction of the upcoming Farm Bill.
House Agriculture Committee Hosts Members Day Hearing featuring Testimony in Support of the Industrial Hemp Act!
On December 6, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee hosted a Member's Day hearing on the upcoming Farm Bill, providing an opportunity for Members of Congress to express their goals for the upcoming Farm Bill.
At the hearing, Industrial Hemp Act Chief Sponsor Congressman Rosendale provided heartfelt and powerful testimony in support of the inclusion of the Industrial Hemp Act.
"HR3755 the Industrial Hemp Act... would cut red tape and streamline the regulatory framework for industrial hemp. Simply put, industrial hemp is different from cannabis and deserves different regulations. Industrial hemp does not need the same testing requirements. Inspectors and farmers can tell that it's different from recreational marijuana simply by looking at it. Current burdensome regulations prevent farmers across the country from capitalizing on this crop...
This legislation is pivotal for empowering farmers and fostering a robust agricultural sector eliminating red tape and creating job opportunities. By balancing regulation and freedom it unlocks the potential of industrial hemp, benefiting both Montana farmers and the nation."
~Congressman Matt Rosendale (R-MT)
H.R. 3755 Chief CoSponsor Congresswoman Houlahan also submitted the following testimony to the House Agriculture Committee in support of the inclusion of the Industrial Hemp Act in the upcoming Farm Bill:
"The Industrial Hemp Act represents a bipartisan, bicameral solution to a problem afflicting farmers across the country. Although the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provisions were an important leap forward for farmers in many states, especially those looking to transition away from crops like tobacco, they created a regulatory scheme that was cumbersome and unworkable for those looking to take advantage of the new legislation...
This is a common sense fix that will allow farmers the regulatory stability they depend on, while not precluding other regulations of products designed for human consumption. It is my hope that this bipartisan legislation can be included in the 2023 Farm Bill."
~ Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
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