Hemp’s Global Rise: 12 Nations Unite for a Sustainable Future
The Thai Hemp Industries Association (TIHTA), in collaboration with international partners from 12 countries including Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, the United States, Australia, Ukraine, Singapore, and the EU, has established the 'Asia International Hemp Federation' (AIHF). This marks the first-ever international federation dedicated to promoting hemp trade and developing supply chains, reducing regulatory and trade barriers across countries, and establishing both offline and online trading platforms to connect buyers and sellers. The federation aims to link the supply chain between farmers, industries and distributors.
The AIHF has set four primary missions:
1. Promoting Cooperation and Industry Development: By creating a comprehensive network among farmers, processors, researchers, and policymakers, establishing suitable standards for hemp production and quality in Asia, and jointly promoting research and development of innovations in the hemp industry.
2. Building Understanding and Acceptance: Through scientific knowledge to reduce misconceptions about hemp, and jointly conducting awareness campaigns to highlight the environmental, health, and economic benefits.
3. Driving Legal and Policy Changes: The federation will act as an advocate for hemp in policy discussions, fostering relationships with government agencies to develop industry-friendly policies, and collaborating with regulatory agencies to establish testing standards, safety regulations, and THC extraction limits.
4. Promoting Sustainable Development: Supporting sustainable agriculture to minimize environmental impact, promoting efficient resource utilization, and utilizing hemp across various sectors to reduce waste.
In essence, the AIHF is a significant step towards fostering global collaboration in the hemp industry, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing regulatory challenges to unlock the full potential of hemp.