This emergency rule continues the existing Pilot Program with no added fees or costs and therefore will not negatively impact small business as this rule does not make significant modifications to the regulation of the hemp industry. This rule continues the Pilot Program as it existed under the previous emergency rules with minor changes to ensure consistency with state and federal law. The fee-based requirements include a one-time license fee which is valid until the Pilot Program expires on October 31, 2020 or unless the license is revoked. In addition, licensees who plan to grow or process hemp will be charged an annual registration fee. Registered growers who plan to harvest hemp will be charged sampling and testing fees for the collection and analysis of the regulatory samples. The impacts of this rule to the regulated industry do not include changes to the required fees to participate in the program, but do update regulations to meet the current state and federal law. The regulated industry is required to be compliant with the updated regulations.
Reporting, Bookkeeping and other Procedures
This rule will impose fees, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. This rule will require participants to prepare a research plan and require growers to submit a research agreement. All hemp must meet defined analytical standards before it can be transported from the growing location. This rule provides criteria for pilot participants to obtain and maintain a license. The rule explains the criteria for suspending, revoking, or denying licensure. A hemp grower who successfully plants, grows and plans to harvest hemp must have the hemp sampled by the Department before the hemp can be harvested. A Fit for Commerce Certificate must accompany hemp that is transporated from the growing location. The Fit for Commerce Certificate is the documentation that verifies that the hemp it accompanies is legally hemp. Sampling and testing must be completed before a Fit for Commerce Certificate can be issued. A Fit for Commerce Certificate will be issued for each lot that tests at or below 0.3 percent THC. A lot is a contiguous area of one variety or strain of hemp growing indoors or outdoors. A grower may have more than one lot and each lot must be sampled separately. The fee for sampling and testing of one lot is $250 per sample.
Professional Skills Required
The proposed rule does not impose regulations that will require professional skills for small businesses.
Accommodation for Small Business
Many of the license applicants may be small businesses. This rule does not make special exceptions for small businesses.
Conclusion
This rule will have no adverse effect on businesses, including small businesses. Therefore, this emergency rule is not subject to the delayed small business effective date provided in s. 227.22 (2) (e), Stats. Dated this ______ day of June, 2020.
STATE OF WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
By __________________________________
Sara Walling, Administrator
Division of Agricultural Resource Management
