Governor Tony Evers Urges Congressional Action to Avert Hemp‑Industry Losses
In a letter sent to every member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation, Governor Tony Evers warned that the forthcoming federal hemp definition — set to take effect in November 2026 — could erase roughly $700 million in economic activity and jeopardize nearly 3,500 jobs across the state. The governor’s appeal cites data from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), which reported 470 federally licensed hemp producers operating in Wisconsin as of November 2025.
What the New Federal Rule Changes
The provision, inserted into the continuing‑resolution package that ended the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, redefines the permissible THC content in finished hemp‑derived cannabinoid products to 0.4 milligrams per container. Under the current 2018 Farm Bill standard, hemp is legal if the plant material contains less than 0.3 % THC on a dry‑weight basis. By shifting the focus to a per‑container milligram limit, many existing products — such as tinctures, edibles, and topicals that contain trace amounts of THC well below the plant‑level threshold — would be reclassified as marijuana under federal law.
Effectively, businesses that have built compliant supply chains around the 0.3 % dry‑weight rule would find their inventory illegal overnight, forcing product removals, store closures, and workforce reductions. The governor’s letter notes that without legislative correction, the rule would “eliminate existing business models” and trigger “closures, layoffs, and lost investment.”
Why Wisconsin Is Particularly Vulnerable
Wisconsin has not yet legalized medical or recreational marijuana, despite multiple attempts by the Evers administration to do so. Consequently, hemp‑derived products serve as one of the few lawful avenues for consumers seeking cannabinoid‑based wellness options. The absence of a state‑licensed marijuana market means that any federal restriction on hemp would push commerce — and the associated tax revenue — across state lines.
Agricultural producers also stand to lose a valuable diversification tool. Hemp cultivation has offered Wisconsin farmers an alternative to traditional dairy and row crops, especially in regions facing volatile milk prices. DATCP’s licensing data shows steady growth in hemp acreage since the 2018 Farm Bill, with the 470 licensed producers representing a broad geographic spread from the Driftless Area to the northern forests.
Because planting decisions are made months before seed is placed in the ground, regulatory uncertainty makes it difficult for growers to commit resources. The governor warned that “fields could sit idle for the 2026 season and beyond,” undermining rural economies that rely on steady farm income.
A Path Forward: Legislative Solutions
In his correspondence, Governor Evers urges Congress to pursue a legislative fix that preserves a science‑based, workable hemp definition. He specifically references S. 3686, the Hemp Planting Predictability Act, which would delay the enforcement of the new THC‑per‑container limit by two years. Such a delay would give farmers, processors, and retailers time to adjust operations, secure new financing, and make informed planting decisions for the 2026 growing season.
The governor’s request aligns with recommendations from industry groups such as the Hemp Industries Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures, both of which have called for a “reasonable transition period” to avoid abrupt market disruption.
Conclusion
Governor Tony Evers’ letter underscores a clear economic and agricultural stake: preserving a thriving hemp sector that supports thousands of Wisconsin jobs and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state’s economy. By acting swiftly to amend or delay the contested federal hemp definition, Congress can protect legitimate businesses, maintain rural livelihoods, and uphold the legislative intent behind the original 2018 Farm Bill.
For the full text of the governor’s letter, see the original report: Here.
