Results from Hemp Checkoff Survey Posted

Results from Hemp Checkoff Survey Posted

Russell Nemetz
Russell Nemetz
The National Industrial Hemp Council and The Hemp Industries Association announced results of a month's long survey on industry attitudes towards a hemp checkoff program.

The results of the overall survey show that nearly 8 out of every ten farmers and processors support the checkoff program for research, promotion and consumer education. Over six of ten farmers and processors support being assessed to fund a program.

"This is exciting news for our industry and exciting that there is such wide consensus in our industry to support such a program," said Patrick Atagi, Board Chairman of the National Industrial Hemp Council. "We believe that a checkoff program will help hemp not only develop markets for hemp products, but also fund much needed research and educate consumers on the usefulness and versatility of hemp."

"It's clear from the survey response that there is a broad level of excitement around the idea of a national hemp checkoff program, and significant interest in the potential return the hemp industry could see from an effective research and marketing program under USDA," said HIA President Rick Trojan.

"We in the industry recognize the incredible potential of this agricultural commodity, and there was a strong consensus around the importance of educating the market about the value of hemp across the supply chain for food/grain, fiber, and cannabinoids. It's encouraging to see the positive feedback this dialogue with the industry has generated so far and we look forward to continuing to partner with the NIHC and other forward-looking allies to explore the tremendous opportunity a national checkoff represents for hemp" said Trojan.

USDA checkoff programs seek to promote farm commodities and expand market opportunity for farmers, importers, and industry stakeholders. Funded through assessments on the produced commodity at the first point of sale; checkoff programs allow producers of commodities to pool resources for research, education, and promotion efforts that can expand sales and improve production efficiencies.

The survey received 270 responses and was conducted online via Survey Monkey from November 30, 2020 until December 31, 2020.

Source: Farms.com

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