NEW Resource for NIHC Members!
Congressional Tour Guide for Industrial Hemp Operations
Congressional tours are an effective way to show the promise of our industry.
→ Educate policymakers on hemp production.
→ Showcase innovation and leadership.
→ Influence future hemp policy, including “Fit for Purpose”.
NIHC Recommendations to Congress
NIHC Advances Groundbreaking “Fit for Purpose” Policy Proposal for 2025 Farm Bill
NIHC released a comprehensive framework designed to shape the future of Industrial hemp regulation in the United States. This groundbreaking “Fit for Purpose” (FFP) policy proposal, developed over the past four years by the NIHC Policy Committee, seeks to address the diverse and evolving needs of the industrial hemp industry as Congress works on the next Farm Bill.
“The release of the Fit for Purpose proposal marks an exciting step forward for the hemp industry,” said NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi. “Fit for Purpose provides a clear action plan for hemp based on what is grown and its purpose and is a testament to the vision and dedication of our Policy Committee and the broader hemp community. It is important that we speak with one voice as we continue to work with policymakers to shape a future where the hemp industry can truly thrive.”
Unlike previous Farm Bill legislation that focused primarily on a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach centered on cannabinoid production, the FFP framework recognizes the full scope of the hemp industry’s growth and diversification. Hemp is no longer just a crop for CBD production; hemp now spans multiple industries, including fiber & textiles, grain, construction materials, food products and innovative applications like bioplastics and battery components.
NIHC Launches New Industry Engagement Initiative
NIHC is launching a new initiative to ensure that every sector of the hemp supply chain has a clear voice in shaping NIHC’s priorities. Through quick surveys, listening sessions, advisory groups, and open feedback channels, this program will gather insights directly from growers, processors, manufacturers, and allied partners.
The goal is simple: to align NIHC’s advocacy and programs with the real business needs of our members and the broader industry—while providing funders and policymakers with credible, aggregated insights that strengthen our collective impact.
Click to see the full overview of the framework (PDF 114k) or the participation form (Google form). We look forward to your participation!
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