U.S. Hemp Roundtable Launches National Farmer Advisory Council

Leading the charge to amplify the voices of American farmers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. Hemp Roundtable has launched its “National Farmer Advisory Council,” an initiative dedicated to empowering American hemp farmers and championing sensible policies that foster industry growth while safeguarding consumers.

The Farmer Council, led by hemp farmers Brian Furnish (Kentucky) and Ken Meyer (South Dakota), will serve as a resource for decision makers, federal and state, who are considering regulatory and legislative changes that impact the hemp industry. At the time of launch, the Farmer Council had 33 members from 18 states who are dedicated to sustaining and growing this uniquely American hemp market that has created opportunity and revenue for farmers.

The 2018 Farm bill, authorized by Congress, opened the door for the hemp industry, legalizing products with low levels of THC. Since its passage, hemp has grown to a more than $28.4 billion industry, with farmers making up more than 24% of the marketplace ($6.86 billion of the total economic impact). When comparing hemp to other crops, such as soybeans at 15% and corn at nearly 8%, hemp offers a unique economic model where farmers retain a higher share of profits, further building upon a more profitable market for American agriculture.

Beyond fiber and topics, hemp farmers are a key developmental component of all hemp products consumers have come to trust. Changes at any level have an impact on the entire industry, especially farmers. Without the option of grain, floral and fiber markets, farmers lose a vital risk-management tool, an avenue for profitability, and a sustainable crop choice.

“Growers have adapted over time, investing countless hours and dollars into building sustainable operations that support a diverse marketplace for hemp,” said Brian Furnish, Ananda Hemp President of Global Production. “Instead of hampering these opportunities with misguided policy changes, Congress should celebrate farmers for their innovation, supporting our efforts to contribute to the future of agriculture.”

Rather than adopting language that recriminalizes the hemp-derived cannabinoid market and punishes farmer innovation, Congress has an opportunity to adopt responsible, science-based consumer protections and allow sensible regulations through the FDA, USDA, and EPA. This includes mitigating inappropriate youth consumption through age restrictions as well as uniform standards for manufacturing, testing, labeling, and packaging.

“The hemp industry is still in its infancy, primed to unlock untapped potential through further research and development,” said Ken Meyer, Complete Hemp Processing Co-Founder. “Together, the Farmer Advisory Council and Congress must work together to remove barriers for economic development and ensure the protection of farmers, businesses, and consumers.”

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is a coalition of dozens of leading companies and organizations committed to safe hemp and CBD products. We proudly represent the industry’s major national grassroots organizations and are leading the way forward for hemp and CBD products through education and action.