December 2024
By Patrick Atagi, President & CEO, National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC)
NIHC is ending the year on a high note!
Secretary Vilsack announced the second round of Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants, which is intended to allocate $300 million, expanding American food and agricultural exports in emerging global markets.
NIHC secured an additional $1.25 million in funding which is a game-changer for the U.S. hemp industry. 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.
We thank the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for their recognition and support. FAS has been a steadfast partner in helping us grow the international footprint of the U.S. hemp industry. And, I have to send a huge shout out to everyone who wrote letters of support! We could not have done this without your help. Your efforts made a decisive difference in the process.”
It's a great way to end a year full of energy, resilience, and progress.
The story of 2024 is one of collaboration and ambition. We’ve seen remarkable commitment from our members, partners and international allies as we work to shape the hemp industry into a global powerhouse. While challenges remain, the opportunities we’ve unlocked this year make it clear that hemp is not just a product but a solution for economic growth, sustainability and innovation.
Milestones That Defined 2024
At NIHC, we’ve always believed in taking bold steps, and 2024 proved that belief to be well-founded. In addition to the second round of funding, earlier in the year we secured an additional USDA RAPP grant to support the expansion of the U.S. hemp industry. This, along with a Market Access Program (MAP) grant, was more than just funding—it was a sign of confidence in hemp’s potential to drive agriculture and commerce forward. These funds enabled us to forge critical relationships, connect buyers and sellers, and position American hemp as a leader in markets around the world.
We also broke new ground with a research grant focused on studying the fiber market in India. Hemp fiber holds tremendous promise, and this work will provide the insights needed to unlock new opportunities for American producers. The final report, due in early 2025, will offer a clearer vision of integrating U.S. hemp into a fast-evolving global market.
Global Reach and Growing Influence
These funds helped to make 2024 a year where NIHC’s impact extended well beyond U.S. borders. From Lima to Tokyo, we brought American hemp to new markets while expanding opportunities for producers at home.
In October, NIHC partnered with the USDA to lead the first-ever hemp trade delegation to Tokyo, Japan. The results were tangible—hemp product sales, including HempWood, showcased the real-world benefits of building global bridges. Similarly, our partnership with the Costa Rica Hemp Council resulted in significant seed sales, further demonstrating the demand for U.S. expertise and products.
But our efforts went beyond trade. This year, we began work on the first Global Hemp Regulations Directory, a comprehensive guide designed to help businesses navigate the patchwork of international hemp rules and policies. Launching in 2025, this resource will empower producers to engage confidently in the global marketplace.
Perhaps one of the most exciting moments came with the formation of the Asia International Hemp Federation (AIHF), a collaborative effort to strengthen Asia’s hemp industry and create shared standards for growth. As a founding member, NIHC is proud to play a leading role in this historic initiative. You can read more about this endeavor later in this newsletter.
Challenges That Shaped Us
Of course, no year is without its challenges. Regulatory disparities remain a persistent barrier, particularly in regions like ASEAN, Africa and South America. Hemp’s full potential cannot be realized until policies catch up with its economic and environmental promise. That’s why NIHC continues to lead conversations through organizations like the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO) and the AIHF, advocating for consistency and fairness on a global scale.
Closer to home, shifts in government leadership create uncertainty for certain hemp initiatives. As we’ve seen in recent years, political transitions bring new perspectives, but they also require adaptability. At NIHC, we’ve stayed focused on our mission, building strong relationships and championing the policies that matter most to our members.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum in 2025
As we turn the page to 2025, we do so with a clear vision and a renewed sense of purpose. The groundwork laid this year has prepared us to seize the opportunities ahead. Our priorities for 2025 reflect both ambition and focus:
- Expanding Outreach: Through the AIHF and similar partnerships, we’ll continue to foster collaboration across borders, advocating for strong regulatory frameworks and shared opportunities, including advocating for industrial hemp in the new farm bill.
- Driving Revenue Growth: Targeting new federal grants and expanding funding opportunities will allow us to sustain and grow the industry we serve.
- Operational Excellence: By partnering with MLK Consulting, we’ll enhance our strategic outreach and ensure NIHC continues to deliver exceptional value.
- Growing Membership: Our goal is to increase membership participation by 75%, bringing more voices into the conversation and strengthening the Council’s reach and influence.
These goals are ambitious, but so is this industry. The foundation we’ve built—through trade missions, research and advocacy—gives us every reason to be optimistic.
At NIHC, we’re not just participants in this story—we’re leaders. We’re the lead organization for U.S. hemp on a global stage, building partnerships that open markets, foster innovation and drive growth.
From everyone here at NIHC, we would like to thank you—our partners at USDA, our members and our supporters in academia—for your dedication to the US hemp industry and the support you lend to NIHC every day. I hope your holidays are joyous and the new year is filled with prosperity.
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