The following statement can be attributed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Jim Holte:

“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is pleased by the action by Wisconsin’s Department of Justice to uphold the 2014 Farm Bill provision that allows states to create an industrial hemp pilot program which involves farmers growing hemp to research growing, processing and marketing of hemp.

Last year, Governor Walker gave the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection authorization to create an industrial hemp pilot program in Wisconsin by signing Act 100. The language in Act 100 mirrors that of the 2014 Farm Bill to allow the use of any part of the hemp plant for research purposes in the pilot program.

CBD oil extracted from hemp under provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill and Wisconsin Act 100 must have less than 0.3% THC. Wisconsin retailers who sell CBD oil are required to keep documentation that will aid DATCP in researching the CBD oil market.

In a time of low commodity prices, this new market is an opportunity for farmers to explore new opportunities. Wisconsin Farm Bureau thanks DOJ for recognizing the legitimacy of the 2014 Farm Bill that allows any part of the industrial hemp plant to be used in the research pilot program and allow Wisconsin farmers to take advantage of these market opportunities.”