Industry leaders conduct over 100 meetings with lawmakers as Congress deliberates extensions crucial for the 2026 planting season

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2026 — The (USHR) gathered industry leaders, farmers, and advocates in Washington, D.C. this month for a national fly-in centered on promoting responsible, bipartisan federal regulation of hemp and safeguarding the 2026 planting season.

During the week, USHR members and partners held more than 100 meetings with bipartisan offices in the U.S. House and Senate, including leadership and staff from both Agriculture Committees. Lawmakers received a clear and consistent message: farmers have only three to five weeks to make planting decisions for the 2026 season, and without timely congressional action, many will be compelled to make irreversible choices that endanger livelihoods, jobs, and domestic supply chains.

Throughout the week, USHR worked closely with the (HIFA) to ensure consistent and disciplined messaging across congressional meetings and a Capitol Hill press conference, strengthening a unified industry position focused on the need for a regulatory extension rather than a ban.

The fly-in coincided with active legislative developments in both chambers. In the Senate, Amy Klobuchar introduced legislation (bill ) to postpone changes to federal hemp production provisions. In the House, Jim Baird continues to推进两党合作的 (H.R.7024), which would provide a two-year extension to protect the 2026 planting season.

During the fly-in, USHR introduced its newly elected officers: President Dennis Mistrioty (), Chair Jim Higdon (), Executive Vice President Thomas Winstanley (), Vice President for Finance Inga Selders (), Vice President for External Relations David Moore (), Corporate Secretary Cameron Ruffin (), and Treasurer John Copeland .).

USHR also recognized its former president, Art Massolo, for his leadership and contributions to the organization. As General Counsel of the USHR, Jonathan Miller shared, “Art Massolo has been a significant part of the Roundtable’s growth and success over the past two years. He is well-loved in the hemp industry, and his relationships with other industries have been essential for the development of meaningful collaboration. While we will miss him greatly at the Roundtable, we know he will go on to do more great things in this field.“

USHR emphasized that continued engagement with lawmakers and the media remains crucial for protecting farmers, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring a stable regulatory framework for the hemp industry.

About the U.S. Hemp Roundtable:
U.S. Hemp Roundtable is a coalition of dozens of leading companies and organizations committed to safe hemp and CBD products.

Press Contact: Michelle Erland |

SOURCE U.S. Hemp Roundtable