Rep. James Comer and Farmers Push for Hemp Extension to Secure Industry Future

Rep. James Comer and Hemp Industry Leaders Advocate for Extension of Hemp Framework

In a significant move highlighting the needs of American farmers, Representative James Comer from Kentucky recently convened with key stakeholders from the hemp industry on Capitol Hill. On January 15, 2026, they called upon Congress to endorse the Hemp Planting Predictability Act (H.R. 7024), which advocates for a two-year extension that would delay any changes to the federal definition of hemp. This extension is critical for providing farmers with a sense of predictability amidst an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

The congressional press conference emphasized the pressing need for clarity surrounding hemp regulations. Farmers from states such as Kentucky and South Dakota testified to the debilitating effects of uncertainty in regulatory policies affecting their crop sales and planting decisions. The introduction of the Hemp Planting Predictability Act aims not only to prolong the current hemp moratorium until November 2028 but also to give legislators and industry stakeholders vital time to devise a responsible, bipartisan regulatory framework.

During the event, diverse voices from the hemp community underscored the substantial economic role that hemp plays in sustaining numerous family farms across the country. Beyond just being a crop, hemp represents an economic engine, contributing significantly to rural economies and providing jobs. The bipartisanship displayed by contributors on this issue underscores the wide-ranging support for the responsibility and potential of the hemp industry.

Young and multi-generational farmers expressed their apprehensions regarding the future of American agriculture, pleading for regulations that would support sustainability in farming practices while navigating market pressures. Extending the current framework is viewed as a necessary step to avert immediate disruptions among farms, manufacturers, and retailers that rely on the hemp supply chain. With over 328,000 American jobs linked to the industry and an annual wage output of $13.2 billion, the stakes are exceptionally high.

Executive Director of the Hemp Roundtable Jonathan Miller articulated the sentiments of many during the conference, stating, "This bipartisan extension is exactly what American farmers and small businesses need right now more certainty, stability, and time to get regulation right." He emphasized the importance of implementing strong, science-based standards that not only protect consumers but also uphold the livelihoods of thousands of family farms and entrepreneurs who adhere to regulations.

This rallying cry comes on the heels of a Presidential Executive Order instructing the Administration to collaborate with Congress in updating the statutory definition of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The directive aims to balance consumer access to full-spectrum CBD products with ongoing concerns regarding public health and safety.

Support for the Hemp Extension legislation has emerged from notable figures within the House Agriculture Committee, including Representatives Angie Craig, Gabe Evans, and Tim Moore, showcasing a unified political front towards resolving the hemp industry's regulatory challenges. For further information about the Hemp Planting Predictability Act and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable's advocacy efforts, interested individuals can visit hempsupporter.com.

In summary, the ongoing advocacy for the Hemp Extension not only illustrates the resilience of American farmers but also underscores an industry at a crossroads. As discussions on regulation unfold, the future of hemp planting and its consequential impact on agriculture and rural economies hang in the balance, contingent on Congress's response to this urgent call for action.