NIHC is the premier leader in advancing the international marketing of the U.S. industrial hemp industry

NIST’s New Hemp Reference Material to Enhance Hemp Testing Across the United States

NIHC Applauds NIST’s New Hemp Reference Material to Enhance Hemp Testing Across the United States

WASHINGTON, Jan 17, 2025— The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) celebrated a landmark achievement in the hemp industry with the announcement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) regarding its launch of a new hemp reference material (RM). This innovative tool is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of hemp testing across the United States, tackling one of the core challenges faced by farmers, processors, and consumers alike. With standardized reference materials now available, stakeholders in the hemp sector can expect a marked improvement in testing procedures, which will ultimately support the expansion and credibility of hemp-derived products.

The introduction of this reference material signifies a commitment to evidence-based practices and the establishment of rigorous scientific standards within the industry. As hemp continues to gain traction in various markets—from textiles to paper to food products—it becomes imperative that all involved can ensure quality and compliance through consistent testing protocols. By partnering with NIST, the NIHC is championing an approach that prioritizes transparency and trust, elements that are essential for long-term success in the burgeoning hemp sector. This development not only reinforces the potential benefits of industrial hemp but also sets a precedent for other emerging agricultural industries that may soon seek similar scientific support.

“We are thrilled by NIST’s introduction of this hemp reference material, which is a game-changer for the hemp testing industry,” said NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi. “Accurate testing is essential to ensuring the safety and success of hemp products, from farming to manufacturing. This new benchmark sets a clear quality standard that will foster consumer confidence and enable hemp to thrive as a sustainable and reliable commodity in both the U.S. and global markets.”

From seed to final manufacturing processes, the introduction of this reference material provides a reliable standard that all players in the hemp supply chain can adhere to, optimizing quality assurance practices across the industry. NIST provides food safety reference material and analytics that support the United States Department of Agriculture in efforts to ensure consumer safety, enhance economic security, and improve the standard of living for all Americans.

This benchmark not only supports safety but also fosters consumer confidence, which is vital for the hemp market’s growth. As the hemp industry continues to expand in both North America and across the globe, having a recognized standard for testing will help mitigate risks, enhance product reliability, and foster economic development. In a sector that has faced challenges related to regulation and quality control, NIST’s initiative is a key step toward establishing hemp as a sustainable, trusted commodity crop. With enhanced testing protocols, consumers can enjoy peace of mind regarding the products they choose, ultimately contributing to the growth and acceptance of hemp across various applications, from wellness products including hemp seed oil to industrial materials using hemp shives and fiber.

The NIST Reference Material (RM) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and accuracy of hemp testing laboratories. By providing a traceable and impartial sample, the NIST RM allows laboratories to accurately measure key compounds, such as cannabinoids, mycotoxins, residual solvents, and heavy metals, that are critical in assessing the quality and safety of hemp products. This reference material is essential not only for validating testing protocols but also for ensuring consistency and comparability across different testing facilities. As the hemp industry continues to grow, having a standardized reference point becomes increasingly important for maintaining quality control and regulatory compliance.

Accurate testing protocols supported by the NIST RM benefit various stakeholders in the hemp supply chain—including farmers, manufacturers, law enforcement officials, and consumers. For hemp farmers, precise testing can prevent substantial crop losses that may occur due to incorrect evaluations of their harvest. For manufacturers, it ensures that products meet safety standards and regulations, ultimately protecting brand integrity and consumer trust. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies can better regulate the market, helping to eliminate harmful products and ensuring public safety. For consumers, the assurance that hemp products have been thoroughly tested minimizes the risk of exposure to dangerous contaminants. Overall, the NIST RM is an invaluable tool that contributes data to a safer and more reliable hemp industry.

“NIHC welcomes the NIST reference materials as an opportunity for hemp laboratories to validate the accuracy of their testing methods and procedures, and to align them with an internationally recognized standards body,” said NIHC Executive Vice President of NIHC Verify Lakshmy Mahon. “This is a critical step toward creating consistency and ensuring that hemp products meet the highest safety and quality standards, ultimately benefiting everyone in the hemp supply chain.”

The adoption of NIST reference materials represents a significant stride towards uniformity in the hemp supply chain. As Mahon emphasizes, this initiative is critical for creating consistency in the quality and safety of hemp products. In an industry that is rapidly evolving and often marred by regulatory uncertainties, having a common standard helps mitigate discrepancies and enhances the reliability of products reaching consumers. Ultimately, this effort benefits all stakeholders within the hemp value chain, from farmers and processors to distributors and end-users. By setting a foundation of high standards and rigorous testing protocols, the NIHC aims to foster a healthier, safer market environment, ensuring that hemp products meet stringent safety and quality criteria, thereby gaining consumer confidence and supporting industry growth.

The NIHC Verify program represents a significant advancement in the hemp industry, working in partnership with the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to provide a robust accreditation framework for hemp laboratories. By adhering to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards, the Verify program sets a benchmark for laboratory practices that enhances quality, transparency, and consistency across the board. This initiative is particularly crucial for the economic growth of the hemp market. A reliable testing infrastructure is necessary to ensure consumer safety. By offering a systematic approach to accreditation, the NIHC Verify program enables laboratories to demonstrate their commitment to excellence, instilling greater trust in the data and results they generate.

One of the key strengths of the NIHC Verify program is its integration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Reference Materials (RM). This collaboration allows for the implementation of precise and standardized testing methods, further bolstering confidence in hemp testing protocols. By ensuring that laboratories comply with rigorous standards, the program not only protects public health but also strengthens the commercial hemp trade by providing consumers and businesses with reliable information about hemp products. Ultimately, the NIHC Verify program serves as a cornerstone for fostering credibility in the hemp industry, promoting best practices that benefit consumers and producers alike.

Atagi explained that as the hemp industry continues to grow, initiatives like the NIST RM and the NIHC Verify program are vital to ensuring the sustainability and success of the growing industrial hemp sector. “By offering reliable, science-based tools, these efforts create a more trustworthy hemp market, reducing the risk of crop seizures, consumer health issues and regulatory barriers,” he said. “With an eye to the future, the NIHC remains dedicated to empowering the hemp industry with the resources, advocacy and partnerships it needs to thrive.

If you are a hemp testing laboratory interested in becoming an NIHC Verify program member, please visit www.NIHCOA.com

 

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About the National Industrial Hemp Council:

The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) is dedicated to advancing the U.S. hemp industry by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, advocating for a robust regulatory framework, and fostering innovation within the sector. NIHC is a leader in supporting hemp producers, businesses, and consumers by providing a platform for collaboration, education, and global trade.

 

NIHC is the premier leader in advancing the international marketing of the U.S. industrial hemp industry

NIHC Secures $1.25 Million in New RAPP Funding, Cementing Leadership in International Hemp Marketing

NIHC Secures RAPP Funding

Cementing Leadership in International Hemp Marketing

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2024—The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) is pleased to announce it has secured an additional $1.25 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). This significant achievement builds on the $745,000 awarded earlier this year and positions NIHC as the premier leader in advancing the international marketing of U.S. industrial hemp.

“This funding is a game-changer for the U.S. hemp industry,” said NIHC President and CEO Patrick Atagi. “With the continued support of the USDA, we can sustain and expand our efforts to promote American hemp as a world-class, sustainable commodity. This recognition highlights hemp’s rightful place among the top U.S. agricultural exports, on par with other key commodities.”

Atagi thanked the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for their recognition and support. “USDA’s commitment to bolstering U.S. agricultural exports has been instrumental in creating opportunities for emerging industries like hemp,” he said. “FAS has been a steadfast partner in helping us grow the international footprint of the U.S. hemp industry.” Atagi also thanks the many supporters who took the time to write letters of support for the NIHC funding. “We could not do our work without those in the industry supporting what we do. Your efforts made a decisive difference in the process.”

Launched in October, the USDA’s $1.2 billion RAPP program is designed to boost U.S. agricultural exports in high-potential international markets, with a focus on regions like South and Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This latest funding allows NIHC to build on the success of its previous initiatives, which included leading delegations to the Tokyo Hemp Conference and the Asia Hemp Expo and Forum in Thailand.

The additional funding will ensure the continuation of NIHC’s critical work in 2025 and beyond, further positioning U.S. industrial hemp as a high-quality, reliable and sustainable commodity for global markets. With a strong foundation established through prior efforts, NIHC will continue to:

  • Lead trade delegations to key markets to foster partnerships and secure sales opportunities for U.S. hemp products.
  • Expand the reach of the NIHC Verify program, which enforces strict product testing standards and promotes consumer confidence worldwide.
  • Advocate for hemp’s inclusion in key agricultural commodity discussions internationally.

With this new round of funding, NIHC will focus on strengthening partnerships across Asia and Africa, regions identified as having high consumer demand and market growth potential. The continued collaboration with the USDA underscores the vital role hemp plays in diversifying U.S. agricultural exports and promoting sustainability.

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About the National Industrial Hemp Council

The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) is the leading global advocate for the sustainable growth and profitability of industrial hemp. Based in Washington, D.C., NIHC’s membership includes growers, processors, sellers, and laboratories. The organization is committed to advancing the hemp industry through advocacy, international development, and programs like the exclusive NIHC Verify initiative, which upholds rigorous testing standards and promotes product safety. For more information about NIHC and its programs visit www.NIHCoa.com

 

NIHC STATEMENT ON THE ELECTION OF DONALD J. TRUMP

NIHC Statement on the Election of Donald J. Trump

Washington, D.C. Nov. 6, 2024– National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) President and CEO, Patrick Atagi, released the following statement on the results of the 2024 election.

“NIHC congratulates President-elect Donald J. Trump on his historic victory and strong performance among hemp interests from farm to consumers.

“This election represents a renewed opportunity for all Americans to work together and to commit ourselves to the American dream – life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and prosperity. We have collaborated with President-elect Trump during his previous time in office to enact historic wins for the multi-billion-dollar hemp industry to drive increased investment in the sector, create jobs and provide for American farmers and manufacturers across the country. We stand ready to get to work to address the policies in the Farm Bill and agencies which will define the legacy of the Trump administration, including.

• Use all tools available to remove improper trade barriers against Agriculture and industrial hemp. The USDA should work closely with the Office of the United States Trade Representative to remove improper barriers imposed by other countries to block U.S. agricultural goods.

• Eliminate federal regulations and directives that hinder or stop the export of American hemp products to international markets. Initiate a tariff on Chinese hemp products that come into the United States.

• Support of “Fit for Purpose” program of oversight for hemp farmers so that they may farm hemp without undue government restrictions. Mandate accredited and certified laboratories to test hemp and hemp products to expand the number of laboratories that can test hemp and hemp products and accepted by the Federal government. (Currently only Drug Enforcement Agency labs are eligible.).

“The 2018 Farm Bill was ‘starter fluid’ that ignited the rockets for hemp to take-off in the United States. The legislation increased wages, helped hire Americans and make tremendous investments in our businesses and communities giving us the certainty we needed to kickstart the hemp renaissance we have seen in recent years. Efforts to gain a global footing, provide American farmers with another commodity, reduce technical barriers to trade and leverage private and public sector resources to bolster manufacturing projects helped make the US a force globally and provide needed resources for allies around the world.

“However, we are facing historic storms on our meteoric journey today. Sector optimism is at its lowest level in years. The cost of Federal regulatory burdens continues to increase and severely hinder the industry. From onerous FDA regulations to misunderstanding of hemp regulations, and aggressive agency overreach, the policies of today are keeping ingenuity, know-how and shovel ready farmers from doing what they do best, farm. We believe that we can build on the successes of our previous work together to roll back burdensome regulations, unleash American grit and drive the economy of the future with a strong strategy developed by farmers, manufacturers, and retailers to make American hemp work.

“Elections by their nature are divisive but their results should lead to unity. As we approach this country’s 250th anniversary, the time is now to work together, trust each other and support the ideals and laws outlined in our constitution—with a faith born not of words but of deeds that we see every day on farms, rural America and cities across our country.”

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For more information, contact info@hempindustrial.com

 

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL HEMP COUNCIL TO LEAD U.S. DELEGATION TO INAUGURAL TOKYO INTERNATIONAL HEMP CONFERENCE

NIHC Leads U.S. Delegation to Tokyo International Hemp Conference

Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2024—The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) is spearheading a delegation of 26 U.S. hemp industry leaders, companies, and academic institutions to the first-ever Tokyo International Hemp Conference, scheduled to take place from Sept. 24 to 26. Sponsored by the Japan Industrial Hemp Association (JIHA), this landmark event represents a pivotal moment for the global hemp industry, focusing on the future of hemp and cannabinoid-related science and industry.

Thanks to a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), the NIHC delegation will engage in a variety of activities, including exhibitions, embassy meetings, international business networking, and field tours of Japan’s Golden Hemp farms.

“The Tokyo International Hemp Conference marks a new chapter in international collaboration and innovation within the hemp industry,” said NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi. “We are excited to lead this diverse group of U.S. delegates to Tokyo, showcasing American leadership in hemp science and innovation, while also fostering partnerships that advance the industry globally.”

The conference, which emphasizes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will bring together experts from around the world to discuss cutting-edge research on the industrial and medical applications of hemp and cannabinoids. Notable participants include the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), the Alliance of European Flax-Linen & Hemp Federation, and the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TIHTA). U.S. industry leaders and representatives will contribute to panels and discussions on topics including the current state and future outlook of the hemp industry in the United States.

The Tokyo International Hemp Conference aims to foster greater international cooperation in the rapidly expanding hemp industry, highlighting both cultural and economic opportunities. Hemp has deep historical significance in Japan, where it has been used for over 10,000 years in traditional medicine and sacred rituals. Today, hemp and CBD are legally regulated, and Japan’s Golden Hemp, a high-value fiber used in ceremonial practices, represents a growing market for collaboration.

The U.S. delegation is composed of key industry players including HempWood, INDHemp, Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, FyberX, Bear Fiber, Kentucky Hemp Farmers Cooperative, NIHC including President & CEO Patrick Atagi who is also representing the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee on Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts and Hemp along with Mike Klumpf with Marvel Agriculture in Michigan. 

For more information, follow NIHC updates on social media using #NIHCJapan2024 or visit the event website for details.

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For more information, please contact us at info@hempindustrial.com

NIHC 2024 RAPP Funding

NIHC RECEIVES FUNDING TO PROMOTE US HEMP IN

EMERGING MARKETS

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2024—The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) is proud to announce it has received $745,000 in funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the funding that aims to boost American food and farm exports in promising international markets.

“We extend our gratitude to the USDA for recognizing the vital role of industrial hemp in global export markets,” said NIHC President and CEO Patrick Atagi. “This funding is crucial for advancing the industry through NIHC’s efforts to promote US hemp as a safe, high-quality and sustainable commodity used in various products, from clothing to building materials to fuels.”

Launched in October, the USDA’s $1.2 billion RAPP program is designed to help U.S. exporters expand their reach beyond traditional markets. The focus is on regions with growing consumer demand and purchasing power, such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia. NIHC is among 66 organizations receiving a share of the first $300 million allotment. For a complete list of RAPP funding recipients, click here.

Atagi, who recently returned from the Asia Hemp Business and Expo in Bangkok, emphasized that the funding will enable the US industrial hemp industry to forge global partnerships and strengthen its position in the international marketplace. A standout feature of the US industrial hemp sector is the NIHC Verify program, which mandates that products be tested in laboratories that have passed a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification audit. This program underpins NIHC’s mission to promote testing transparency, uphold standards, boost consumer confidence and ensure product safety.

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Contact: Info@hempindustrial.com

The NIHC is a global advocate for the sustainable, long-term growth and profitability of industrial hemp. Based in Washington, D.C., NIHC’s membership includes growers, sellers and laboratories. The organization engages in advocacy, international development and consumer programs, including the exclusive NIHC Verify program, which promotes testing transparency, standards compliance, consumer confidence and product safety. To learn more, visit www.NIHCoa.com

NIHC 2024 MAP Funding

In Historic Move NIHC Designated as a Cooperator in the
USDA FAS Market Access Program

Awarded 2024 Market Access Program Funding

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2024—The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) is pleased to announce it has achieved cooperator status in the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Market Access Program (MAP), Hemp now joins over +75 commodities and specialty crops as a named partner of the program. This puts hemp on par with cotton, wheat, grain and tree fruits to name a few of the participants in the program.

“Since the 2018 Farm Bill re-legalized hemp cultivation in the U.S., the industry has experienced remarkable overall growth globally,” said NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi. “We thank the USDA FAS for designating NIHC as a cooperator, which reflects NIHC’s commitment to promoting U.S. hemp and the important economic impact that it contributes to the U.S. economy and agricultural communities around the world.”

The MAP initiative helps create, expand and maintain long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products. Under the program, FAS partners with U.S. non-profit commodity or trade associations (cooperators) to promote U.S. agricultural products overseas. Preference is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope and have the infrastructure to run the program.

NIHC has been awarded over $200,000 to help further build global recognition of U.S. industrial hemp and downstream products in 2024. This marks the fourth continuous year of funding from the USDA MAP and the first as a full cooperator.  As a direct cooperator, NIHC can now optimally use government funding and private sector contributions to promote the sustainable growth of the industry internationally. It also opens the doors for other government funding opportunities.

“Over the years we have seen the tremendous impact both MAP and FMD (Foreign Market Development) have on expanding U.S. exports to markets across the globe,” said FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley in the USDA announcement. “For each $1 invested in export market development, U.S. agricultural exports have increased by more than $24. These programs provide a significant boost to the U.S. agricultural industry, which in turn helps strengthen the economy not just in rural communities, but across the entire United States.”

Atagi explained that in 2023, NIHC aggressively promoted U.S. industrial hemp at international government-level meetings, global trade shows and media events such as the 2023 Global Asian Hemp Expo.

Contact: Info@hempindustrial.com

NIHC is a global advocate for the sustainable and long-term growth and profitability of industrial hemp. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NIHC membership includes growers, sellers and laboratories. NIHC conducts advocacy, international development and consumer programs, including the exclusive NIHC Verify program that supports NIHC’s mission to promote testing transparency, standards requirements, consumer confidence, and ultimately product safety. NIHC Verify requires products to be tested in a lab that has passed a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification audit. To learn more visit www.NIHCoa.com

NIHC Verify-A2LA Joint Hemp/Cannabis Recognition Program

NIHC and A2LA Partner for Hemp Product Safety

The National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHC) accepts A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for entry into the A2LA-NIHC Verify Joint Hemp/Cannabis Recognition Program as part of their approval process for their NIHC Verify program for hemp testing laboratories. This program allows the hemp testing laboratories that are ISO/IEC 17025 A2LA Accredited and NIHC members to be recognized under
the NIHC Verify program.

The A2LA-NIHC Verify Joint Hemp/Cannabis Recognition Program requires the applicant laboratory to adhere to the requirements applicable in A2LA R101 – General requirements for accreditation of ISO/IEC 17025 laboratories and A2LA normative documents R103, R105, and P102.

The goal of A2LA-NIHC Verify Joint Hemp/Cannabis Recognition Program is to promote testing transparency, standards requirements, consumer confidence, and ultimately product safety.

This program was developed to establish a benchmark for hemp testing laboratories that are accredited to conduct the following testing (at a minimum):

  • Pesticides
  • Heavy Metals
  • Potency
  • Microbiology
  • Residual Solvents

This program is covered by the A2LA chemical and biological fields of testing.

Program Requirements
ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Specific Requirements – A2LA-NIHC Verify Joint/Hemp Cannabis Recognition Program

Please contact A2LA for more information on this accreditation at: agouker@A2LA.org

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About NIHC 

The National Industrial Hemp Council of America provides high-quality networking and resources for its members, from farm to consumer. Its leadership is composed of leading international, federal, state, private industry, and government professionals throughout the sector. The organization is dedicated to furthering market development, assisting members in entering the industry, and educating consumers on industrial hemp and its applications. For more information, please go to www.nihcoa.com.

Press Release (2023) – Hemp Industry 2023 Farm Bill Priorities

ENDORSED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Hemp Leaders Unite on Plan of Action as Deliberations Over 2023 Farm Bill Approach Key industry stakeholders convened at the NoCo9 Hemp Expo in March to finalize a policy document that 31 nonprofit organizations have now signed.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2023) – As the 2023 Farm Bill deliberations approach, U.S. hemp leaders are united behind a plan of action. And this unprecedented alliance among 31 nonprofit hemp organizations portends promise for congressional enactment of the industry’s agenda.

This winter, three of the nation’s leading hemp organizations – Hemp Industries Association (HIA), National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) and U.S. Hemp Roundtable (USHR) – joined in collaboration for the very first time to develop a series of policy priorities for enactment in the 2023 Farm Bill. The three groups then asked industry leader Morris Beegle to convene a meeting of more than 75 key hemp stakeholders at the leading national hemp gathering that he produces, the NoCo Hemp Expo. After an intense discussion, and follow-up breakout groups to expound on the deliberations, a priority policy document was finalized. Since then, 31 state, regional and national nonprofit organizations have signed on in support.

The document lists nine key policy priorities for consideration by Congress. These include requiring increase USDA funding for hemp internationally and domestically, FDA to regulate hemp extracts such as CBD; easing the regulatory burden on hemp farmers; repealing the hemp felon ban from the 2018 Farm Bill; and addressing THC limits for hemp. This document is being shared with key members of Congress and will serve as the foundation for drafting legislative language to be included in the Farm Bill.

NIHC President and CEO Patrick Atagi praised the work of the hemp industry for broadly coming together to endorse hemp priorities and hemp-specific Farm Bill priorities. “’Working Together Works’ are true words taught to me by my mentor, former USDA Undersecretary William ‘Bill’ Hawks,” Atagi said. “I am glad to see the hemp industry come together; it is a sign of great things to come.”

“This is an historic moment for hemp,” stated Jonathan Miller, USHR’s General Counsel. “The five years since legalization have been challenging, and the 2023 Farm Bill is our next and best opportunity to take this industry a step forward. The unity within the industry is remarkable and telling: Our shared voice will resonate with Congress and help us turn this opportunity into meaningful progress for hemp farmers and product consumers.”

Said Morris Beegle, co-founder and president of We Are For Better Alternatives, or WAFBA: “The last five years have taught us a lot, and more than anything, that we as stakeholders need to align our interests and our voices going into the 2023 Farm Bill so that we correct the regulatory deficiencies that have plagued the growth and development of this nascent industry. I’m optimistic and encouraged by so many organizations coming together at this time to collaborate and work in unison to improve the future of the hemp industry.”

 
 

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