Midwest Hemp Council Applauds Congressman Baird’s Leadership, Which Directly Benefits American Farmers

Midwest Hemp Council applauds Congressman Jim Baird for his continued leadership and unwavering commitment to America’s farmers through the introduction of the Hemp Planting Predictability Act. This bill extends the implementation deadline of the federal backdoor hemp ban for an additional two years, providing much-needed certainty for agricultural producers and rural communities.

At a time when farmers are making critical planting, financing and long-term investment decisions, Congressman Baird’s action provides much-needed certainty for hemp producers across the the nation. Hemp is an agricultural commodity, and like all crops, it requires planning well in advance of the growing season. Sudden policy shifts or regulatory uncertainty undermine farmers’ ability to operate responsibly and sustainably. This two-year extension offers critical relief and stability for rural communities that depend on predictable markets.

“This two-year extension gives farmers the certainty they need to make planting decisions with confidence,” said Justin Swanson, President of Midwest Hemp Council. “Congressman Baird understands that hemp farmers cannot operate in an environment of constant uncertainty.”

Just as importantly, the extension gives Congress the appropriate time to engage with farmers, state regulators, public health experts and other stakeholders to address legitimate market concerns in a thoughtful and transparent manner. States have already implemented regulatory frameworks that govern hemp production and hemp-derived products, and those systems are working. Congressman Baird’s leadership recognizes the importance of respecting states’ rights while Congress evaluates how best to establish a federal approach that protects consumers without dismantling lawful state-regulated markets.

Midwest Hemp Council is grateful for Congressman Baird’s commitment to farmers and his pragmatic approach to hemp policy. We look forward to working with him and members of Congress to ensure that any future federal action is informed, balanced, and grounded in the realities facing American agriculture.