Gov. Evers Sends Letter Urging Wisconsin Congressional Delegation to Support Reauthorizing Federal Farm Bill, Fix Harmful Federal Hemp Laws

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers sent a letter to every member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation urging them to support a comprehensive Farm Bill that reflects the needs of Wisconsin’s agricultural economy, including taking needed action to safeguard Wisconsin’s hemp industry and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as FoodShare in Wisconsin. The governor’s letter also urges leaders to invest funding and staffing to support critical dairy, forestry, crop and animal health, and conservation and water quality programs that are at risk and that Wisconsin’s agricultural industries depend on.

This letter comes as farmers, producers, and rural communities continue to face significant challenges thanks to President Donald J. Trump’s trade wars and erratic tariffs, global market instability and supply chain disruptions due to animal disease threats, and workforce shortages. Further, a recent Farm Bureau survey found that 58 percent of farmers are reporting worsening financial conditions due to rising fertilizer and fuel costs.

“I also once again urge you to take needed action to prevent mass disruption of the hemp industry due to the federal hemp definition change passed by Congress last year,” wrote Gov. Evers. “As Wisconsin’s federal delegation, I urge you to ensure the Farm Bill remedies this issue and encourage you to pursue a science-based federal framework that supports innovation, protects lawful businesses, and allows Wisconsin farmers and producers to compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace. …Wisconsin farmers and businesses deserve the certainty and support necessary to fully realize the economic benefits of this thriving sector.

“The Farm Bill is more than agricultural policy; it is economic policy, nutrition policy, conservation policy, and rural development policy,” concluded Gov. Evers. “Its impacts are felt in every corner of our state, and I urge you to continue working across the aisle to advance a comprehensive Farm Bill that protects Wisconsin’s farmers, strengthens our food systems, safeguards our natural resources, and invests in the future of rural communities.”

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