SJR54: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-3464/1

RJL:amn

2019 - 2020 LEGISLATURE

2019 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 54

July 3, 2019 - Introduced by Senators L. Taylor, Testin and Olsen, cosponsored by Representatives Considine, Kurtz, Ohnstad, Sargent, Shankland, Mursau, Tusler, Kulp, L. Myers, Haywood, Schraa, Vruwink and Bowen. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR54,1,1 Relating to: recognizing June 3 to 9, 2019, as Hemp History Week in Wisconsin.

SJR54,1,11 Whereas, in 1908, six acres were grown on the asylum farm at Mendota and three acres on the prison farm at Waupun by the Agronomy department of the Wisconsin Experiment Station in cooperation with the Office of Fiber Investigations of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The results were so promising that the investigational work was rapidly increased during 1909, 1910, and 1911. During these years, fields were grown at Mendota, Waupun, and Viroqua. At each of these points, good results were obtained. At Waupun, in 1911, the hemp was grown on land badly infested with quack grass, and in spite of an unfavorable season, a yield of 2,100 pounds of fiber to the acre was obtained, and the quack grass was practically destroyed; and

SJR54,2,2 Whereas, the results were so encouraging that several neighboring farmers became interested, and in 1912 grew a total of 125 acres. Since that time, hemp has been grown in that vicinity every year as a commercial crop. During the last few years, the industry extended chiefly from Waupun to Brandon and westward through the region between Fairwater and Markesan; and

SJR54,2,8 Whereas, now the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's industrial hemp research pilot program requires both growers and processors to obtain onetime licenses, and register each year that they intend to plant/process industrial hemp. Growers and processors must also pass background checks and pay fees to participate in the program. The emergency administrative rule, ATCP 22, became effective March 2, 2018; and

SJR54,2,12 Whereas, this is a research pilot program permitted under terms of the 2014 federal farm bill. As participants in the research program, growers and processors will be required to report their research plans along with their annual registrations, and to file research reports for each growing season; and

SJR54,2,15 Whereas, hemp is now on firm footing in Wisconsin; the big obstacles have been overcome, and with the 2018 federal farm bill, the final success of the new industry is in Wisconsin's future; now, therefore, be it

SJR54,2,17 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin Legislature recognizes June 3 to 9, 2019, as Hemp History Week in Wisconsin.

SJR54,2,18 (End)