Farm Bill

National Industrial Hemp Council Farm Bill Recommendations

NIHC’s Farm Bill recommendations to the Senate NIHC’s Farm Bill recommendations to the House

NIHC Action Alerts Speak Up For The Hemp Industry Now – Before It’s Too Late.

The US hemp industry was created by legislation of the Agricultural Improvement Acts of 2014 and 2018 known as the Farm Bill. NIHC has been at the forefront of developing policy consensus around improved hemp regulations as well as the development of export markets that provide increased opportunities for US farmers and manufacturers.

NIHC, in partnership with other hemp organizations, drafted an improved policy approach for hemp regulation that has been included in the House version of the current farm bill.

We are supporting producers with resources to help them at every stage of the supply chain, from financing to sowing to crop harvest, to manufacturing, and finally to sale.

Educate Congress!
Ensure Consumer Safety with NIHC Verify

At the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC), we are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety for the hemp industry. That’s why we partnered with the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to launch the NIHC Verify program – a joint recognition accreditation initiative for hemp testing laboratories.

There is a pressing need for a consistent standard regarding consumable hemp and Cannabis in the United States. Laboratory accreditation is crucial for building consumer confidence and trust. As the hemp industry continues to grow, expanding the network of NIHC Verify-accredited labs is essential for safeguarding public health and moving the industrial hemp and cannabinoid industry forward with transparency and accountability.

The NIHC Verify program is recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). By adhering to ISO/IEC 17025, the global standard for testing and calibration laboratories, and establishes a benchmark for hemp testing labs to ensure consistent, reliable testing practices and meet strict requirements for Pesticides, Heavy Metals, Potency, Microbiology, and Residual Solvents Analysis. Even more critical is the need to have a recognized testing program to ensure that imports, especially those from China, meet the same standards as US products.

It is imperative that Congress takes decisive action to establish a universal standard for testing and verification as part of the Farm Bill now being addressed in Congress. The NIHC Verify program covers essential testing categories such as Pesticides, Heavy Metals, Potency, Microbiology, and Residual Solvents Analysis.
Use the form to educate Congress to establish a universal standard for testing and verification with NIHC Verify.

Supporting producers with resources to help them at every stage, from sowing to sale

Information, advice, and education

Your D.C.- based Advocate for all industrial hemp stakeholders

Our leadership team provides expertise across the industrial hemp supply chain, We inform hemp farmers about sources for hemp seed appropriate to their geography, access to experts on markets for hemp raw material, and publish updates on the health of the hemp economy. NIHC, your D.C.-based trade association, is an advocate to members of Congress, international trade partners, and other nonprofit organizations and international government officials across the global market. This expertise is viewed as a trusted resource uniting private equity and public policy development.

As well as being a vital source for information, advice, and consultation, our trade missions, business summits, newsletters, and podcasts provide our membership and the hemp industry with high-quality opportunities for the exchange of information and sharing of ideas. And we support producers with resources to help them at every stage, from sowing to sale.

The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) provides expertise in all areas of hemp production. We know risk management is critical for the large-scale adoption of industrial hemp by farmers in crop rotations. Economic growth of the hemp sector requires insights from economics, law, regulatory compliance, and marketing. This expertise informs all aspects of our work and we are a trusted resource by industry stakeholders.

Regulation & harmonization, building a secure framework

Working towards harmonization

To increase consumer confidence, simplify trade and transportation, and allow the sharing of ideas and technology, the NIHC believes there should be an international standardized regulatory framework that also encourages investment. As an organization we are working towards, and campaigning for, this type of harmonization for domestic and international hemp products. Increased food safety and energy security are global concerns. Innovation in the use of hemp in industrial products will result in climate meditation and environmentally friendly economic development.

We consult governments, producers, and organizations, playing a vital role in sharing knowledge and encouraging the formation of a well-regulated and accountable hemp industry.

This not only ensures a level playing field to the benefit of all but seeks to embed new sustainability standards for the growth and processing of hemp. Whether the end-use is textile, grain, building material, paper, bioplastic, electronics components, or animal feed, growing hemp sequesters carbon and increases soil health for US farmers. These benefits further promote the confidence needed for brand investment and consumer buying.

The NIHC believes there should be a worldwide standardized regulatory framework to meet sustainable development goals and spur economic development.

The NIHC believes there should be a worldwide standardized regulatory framework

Government
Funding for Hemp Market Development

NIHC has received funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Market Access Program (MAP) and Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to support the export market development of industrial hemp. We import a substantial amount of hemp products from our trade partners, China, Canada, the Netherlands, France, and the Philippines. With funding for market access, we can create a balance of trade that supports greater employment in the US hemp industry.

MAP funds are administered through the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Through the MAP program, FAS partners with U.S. agricultural trade associations, cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and small businesses to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities. The economic development that results from building commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products and commodities improves the US economy, increases the workforce, and increases our gross domestic product.

Funds can be used for facilitating trade missions and meeting with industry stakeholders and government regulators overseas. With the globalization of the industrial hemp supply chain, this public funding offers the U S hemp industry access to markets in developing countries as well as domestic consumption.

As an industry body with a whole-of-market approach, we have a duty to work across the complete supply chain. To shape the market, to support the landowners, manufacturers, and brands, and to engage consumers to ensure demand driven by understanding is in place.

For market development and trade, this means that we are working on issues including regulatory framework, THC content, product, infrastructure, and testing.

For landowners and farmers, this means that we are working on issues including cultivar research and development, agriculture risk, license permissions, technology, and market development.

For manufacturers and brands, this means that we are working on issues including performance, quality of supply, transparency, certification, and confidence of supply across the entire value chain.

For consumers and commentators, this means issues including education, product information, sustainable/green credentials, and quality of goods purchased.

Delivering across the hemp supply chain

West Town Payments, in its partnership with West Town Bank & Trust, offers a full-service banking and payments solution catered to the hemp industry.

This allows hemp businesses to bundle financial service solutions for an end-to-end tailored approach, all while increasing revenues, reducing risk and having access to better service.

We know your hemp business from the ground up.

We’re a hemp-friendly bank with market specialists who have a deep understanding of the financial challenges you and your industry face.

Connect with a hemp banking specialist to get started.
Email Nely Valcheva nely.valcheva@firstcitizens

There is a $150 monthly compliance management fee associated with Hemp/CBD relationships. This fee will be charged to a designated checking account. Account openings and credit are subject to Bank approval. Individual state licensing and registration requirements apply. Member FDIC