NIHC Secures Additional Funding to Promote U.S. Industrial Hemp Globally

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2026, As a cooperator in multiple U.S. Department of Agriculture agricultural promotion programs, NIHC is pleased to announce it has secured an additional funding for 2026 through the Market Access Program (MAP).

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.

“This marks the fifth continuous year of funding from the USDA MAP,” said NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi.  “We sincerely thank the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service for recognizing the work that NIHC is doing on behalf of the industrial hemp industry. We look forward to continuing our partnership with USDA and executing programs in key markets around the globe that connect U.S. industrial hemp growers and companies with foreign buyers.”

The recent announcement of nearly $200,000 in additional funding, along with funding previously announced, will support the strong foundation established through our ongoing 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.

“USDA’s market development programs crowd in private sector capital to help promote U.S. food, fuel, and fiber to foreign buyers.” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Partnering with industry ensures that these resources are deployed efficiently and effectively, and that decisions are farmer driven.”

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The National Industrial Hemp Council is the trusted voice of America’s industrial hemp industry. We bring together growers, processors, manufacturers, and policymakers to build a marketplace based on consistency, transparency, and consumer trust. As a vetted partner of the federal government, we use federal funds to support our mission: to give consumers confidence, provide businesses with clarity, and position U.S. hemp as an essential part of the global economy. We achieve this through guidance from subject matter experts, industry experience, and science-based programs. To foster a thriving global industry, we work with international hemp partners through our membership and participation in the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO), the Asian Industrial Hemp Federation (AIHF), as well as ASTM International, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and A2LA, Assessment Accreditation Services.