"The hemp industry is at a critical point where we need regulators and policymakers to recognize the existing, well-documented science surrounding the safety and efficacy around hemp ingredients for feed," HFC Executive Director Morgan Tweet said in a press release. "We need them to work collectively and proactively with the industry to open the U.S. feed markets, many of which are open in other places in the world. We believe a strategic partnership between NHA and HFC will provide the leadership needed to have constructive and informative discussions with these parties as well as continue the effort of supporting research and applications."
Since 2017, HFC has been actively working to advance hemp as an animal feed ingredient; however, it's been a challenge, as the process of including any new ingredient in animal feed requires "an abundance of data and approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM)," Cannabis Business Times previously reported.
HFC submitted an application in February 2021 to the FDA to gain approval for hemp seed cake and meal to be used as commercial feed for laying hens. The submission included research and data from a two-year study "consisting of an ingredient investigation of hemp seed cake and meal and a clinical trial to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of hemp for laying hens," according to a press release.
In addition, NHA and HFC organizers have also worked together on projects centered around advocating for hemp as an animal feed product, according to the release.
The partnership will allow each organization to come together and share its resources and knowledge, creating a "team that is greater than the sum of its parts.” The HFC brings its knowledge of animal research and animal feed ingredient applications, while NHA provides "administrative support, advocacy, and outreach,” the release states.
"The superior nutritional profile of hemp has long been known, and hemp has a long history of use as animal feed prior to its prohibition," NHA Executive Director Erica Stark said. "Especially now, when animal feed shortages are a looming problem, we need to get hemp recognized as an official feed ingredient. We are excited to be working with the experts at HFC to make it happen."
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