Advocacy

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 congressional action in 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 will 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.

A dangerous amendment to the Farm Bill offered by Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) was adopted by both the House Committee on Agriculture and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration that will seriously undermine industry growth and the policy and regulatory progress the industry has made at the state and national levels during the last five years.

The Miller amendment is likely to cripple the nearly $28.4 billion US hemp market, with an unworkable and poorly considered regulatory framework that will make a majority of hemp varieties (fiber, grain, cannabinoids) and their derivatives illegal. This punishes hard working American hemp farmers who have invested considerable resources in building the US position in the global hemp industry.
Hemp farmers are the critical first step in building out this promising industry and the passage of the Miller Amendment will result in federal prohibition of 90-95% of all hemp products. The U.S. hemp fiber and grain markets are the key to the continued growth of hemp grain exports, hemp based building materials, hemp plastics, hemp fiber insulation and hemp textiles by creating jurisdictional confusion that undermines hemp’s recognition as a US farm commodity.

Ramifications of the Miller Amendment:

Creates complex and confusing new testing rules, which USDA and industry experience show, only serve to create confusion at the state level, punishing the farmers and driving many of them from the industry.
Could criminalize farmers who cultivate hemp currently being grown for the US for fiber, grain, and building materials – and not just those for hemp extracts
Will inhibit the adoption of hemp as crop rotation intended to preserve and protect soils and reduce nitrogen runoff.
Kills the hemp-derived beverage market , limiting consumer choice and ending the US domination of this $4.2 billion global market
Destroys US led $7.1 Billion global hemp derived consumables market for health and wellness products that should rightly be regulated by FDA under DSHEA as dietary supplements
Brings overly-complex compliance and legal risks to hemp fiber and grain farmers who would be forced to destroy their fields when crops fail this new and unrealistic cannabinoid testing requirement
Significantly impedes the growth of the entire hemp market and severely limit opportunities for American exports, putting the US farther behind other advanced hemp countries
Destabilizes the growing hemp seed food products market, long recognized as safe for human consumption in the US and globally

NIHC has consistently supported and led efforts to properly regulate hemp derived products in order to ensure safety and prevent access by children. This amendment goes far beyond what is necessary and proper and will sweep up the entire hemp value chain – from farming to final form consumer products – in a way that will effectively destroy the industry.

It will stifle the strong upward growth trajectory of US hemp exports. We must act now to make our opposition clear and share our industry’s concerns, demanding this amendment’s removal and defeat.

Use the form to take action now. Let lawmakers know you oppose the Miller Amendment.

Tell 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 tell 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, education

Information, advice, education

Our leadership team provides expertise from agricultural science to economics, law, marketing, and program implementation. This expertise is viewed as a trusted resource by industry stakeholders.

As well as being a vital source for information, advice and consultation, our business summits, seminars and webinars provide our membership and visitors 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.

Our leadership team provides expertise in all areas of hemp production, from agricultural science to economics, law and marketing. This expertise informs all aspects of our work and is used as 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. As an organization we are working towards, and campaigning for, this type of harmonization.

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

This will not only ensure a level playing field to the benefit of all but will seek to embed new sustainability standards for the growth and processing of hemp. This will further promote the confidence needed for brands to invest and for consumers to purchase.

The NIHC believes there should be a worldwide standardized regulatory framework

Government
Funding

NIHC last year received funding from the U.S. Department of Agricultural (USDA) Market Access Program (MAP) to support export market development of industrial hemp.

MAP funds are administered through 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 that help build commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products and commodities.

Funds can be used for facilitating trade missions and meeting with industry stakeholders and government regulators overseas.

As an industry body with a whole-of-market approach, we have a duty to work across the 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 and testing.

For landowners and farmers this means that we are working on issues including permissions, technologies, market development.

For manufacturers and brands this means that we are working on issues including performance, quality of supply, traceability, certification, confidence of supply.

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

Delivering across the 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 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