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