The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) have amplified their support for the hemp industry by appointing additional stakeholders to key trade advisory committees. These committees aim to shape global policy and promote U.S. hemp in international markets.
Strengthening Hemp’s Global Footprint
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and USTR Representative Katherine Tai recently announced the inclusion of two new members to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts, and Hemp. These appointments signal a continued effort to enhance the hemp sector’s role in shaping trade policy.
The new appointees are:
- Brian Furnish of Furnish Farms, representing the National Hemp Growers Association (NHGA).
- Michael Klumpp of MAK Enterprises, which is known for cultivating and processing hemp for CBD production.
These additions bolster a growing roster of industry professionals tasked with offering technical guidance on trade issues that affect U.S. agricultural exports.
A Growing Advisory Team
The ATAC for Trade in Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts, and Hemp has seen a steady increase in hemp-related representation. Just last August, Dylan Summers, vice president of government affairs at Lazarus Naturals, joined the committee. Summers adds to the expertise provided by other notable members, including:
- Patrick Atagi, President of the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC).
- Patricia Sheikh, NIHC board member.
- Eric Pike, a founding member of the Oregon Hemp Commission and the CBD company Root Origins.
This group now represents a diverse cross-section of the hemp industry, from cultivation and processing to advocacy and business development.
Hemp’s Evolving Role in Trade Policy
The inclusion of hemp in the ATAC name in 2023 underscores its rising prominence in U.S. agriculture. Previously, the committee addressed trade issues concerning tobacco, cotton, and peanuts. The formal acknowledgment of hemp reflects its increasing contribution to the agricultural sector and its potential on the global stage.
Hemp industry stakeholders now join forces with their counterparts in other commodity groups to provide the USDA and USTR with actionable insights. These committees, established in 1974, ensure that agricultural trade policies are informed by those who know the industry best.
Impacts and Future Goals
Hemp’s representation on these advisory committees highlights its potential as a key agricultural export. Industry experts are leveraging their positions to:
- Influence U.S. trade policies that promote hemp products.
- Expand access to international markets for hemp and CBD goods.
- Advocate for regulatory frameworks that support hemp as a sustainable and profitable crop.
Notably, the appointment of Kevin Latner, a former NIHC marketing executive, to a separate ATAC for processed foods in 2020, illustrated the broad applications of hemp products beyond its traditional uses.
A Renewed Focus on Agricultural Diversity
The ATAC system serves as a vital link between policymakers and the agricultural sector, ensuring that diverse voices are included in discussions about trade. With hemp’s inclusion, the committees are better positioned to advocate for crops that have historically been overlooked but hold significant potential for economic and environmental benefits.
This expansion of hemp representation aligns with broader goals to diversify U.S. agricultural exports. By giving hemp industry leaders a seat at the table, USDA and USTR are paving the way for a more inclusive approach to trade policy.
