Hemp Industry Stakes Its Claim in Infrastructure Bill

CBD, Cannabis National Hemp AssociationThe National Hemp Association (NHA), with its Standing Committee of Hemp Organizations (SCOHO), has submitted a $1 billion amendment to the upcoming infrastructure bill to accelerate hemp fiber and grain production.

Hemp became a fully legal commodity crop with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Until then, NHA says hemp was prohibited and could not benefit from the research, technology, and investments garnered by other commodities.

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“Public/private partnerships are essential for acceleration of fiber and grain production as vital infrastructure is needed to build reliable supply chains,” the NHA said in a statement.

The main points of the amendment are as follows:

  • $100 million each for four regional super sites
  • $120 million issued to historically underserved farms
  • $380 million divided according to hemp farm calculations
  • 10% of allocated funds for Departments of Ag to use to support their hemp programs
  • Departments of Ag to distribute remaining funds up to $3 million per entity for equipment purchases

“History confirms that the world looks to America to lead change, be it industrial, cultural, or environmental. This is more true today than ever before, as we look to combat the global climate crisis affecting humankind,” says Geoff Whaling, Chair, National Hemp Association. “We know American ingenuity will drive many of these solutions and can do so with plant-based technologies. Hemp, America’s newest commodity crop, will be at the forefront of this regenerative economic and social shift; helping create jobs, clean our soil and air, and introduce sustainable new products once only dreamed about. With the right investment in infrastructure, hemp will become America’s next natural resource.”

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You can read the full request letter here.

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