Governor Walker signed a bill yesterday that allows Wisconsin farmers to grow industrial hemp.
State Senator Pat Testin is a Republican from Steven’s Point. He co-authored the bill, and he says Wisconsin could become a national leader in hemp production.
Testin says we import 500 to 600 million dollars worth of hemp every year from Canada alone, so it’s a profitable business.
At least 30 other states have legalized industrial hemp.
A 2014 federal farm bill opened the door for people to grow the crop.