“The Broadmoor, with its own commitment to sustainability, is a perfect place to host an international convention, elevate the hemp conversation, and attract larger businesses and corporations that should be considering hemp as part of their overall ingredient/input material and part of their ESG program moving forward into the next decade.” — Morris Beegle, Producer, NoCo Hemp Expo
The rallying cry “Hemp for Victory” is as relevant today as when it was introduced as the title of a film made by the U.S. government during World War II. Released in 1942, the film was made to encourage American farmers to grow as much hemp as possible for the war effort because other industrial fibers and textiles, often imported from overseas, were in short supply. The informational short documentary shows a history of hemp and hemp products and explains how hemp is grown and processed into rope, cloth, cordage and other products.
Yet, before 1989, the film was relatively unknown, and, according to the Great Book of Hemp by Rowan Robinson, government officials told all interested parties that no such movie was ever produced by the USDA or any branch of the U.S. government. However, due to the investigative efforts of Maria Farrow, Carl Packard and Jack Herer, famed author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes, two VHS copies were recovered and donated to the Library of Congress in 1989. Today, Hemp for Victory can be freely viewed on the Internet.
Today’s economic and regulatory environment in some ways…the song remains the same as when Hemp for Victory came out. Some parts of government embrace hemp, while other agencies, such as the FDA, impede the potential for market growth with murky policies about the legality of CBD as a dietary supplement, resulting in a decrease in acreage over the past three years and a challenging entrepreneurial environment for hemp.
To address the challenges the hemp industry faces, as well as the opportunities for hemp as technology, supply chain and infrastructure expands, top business leaders, policymakers, growers, manufacturers, retailers, investors, distributors and materials buyers, influencers and others know the importance of gathering, exchanging information, and sharing the latest news about hemp, as well as showcasing their products to buyers, industry peers, media and others at the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo, scheduled for March 29-31, 2023, at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Spring, CO.
For nearly a decade, NoCo Hemp Expo — the world’s most comprehensive industrial hemp exposition and conference — has brought together international business and government leaders, academia, nonprofits, media and the public to collaborate on important initiatives, opportunities and solutions for the future of a crop and an industry that can have significant positive impact on human, animal and planetary health.
“’The Earth is what we all have in common.’ That’s what farmer-philosopher Wendell Berry said. The hemp industry, like many others, took a hit over the past few years, given the climate with Covid and oversupply of CBD biomass. However, as we move past these issues, we are optimistic about a positive rebound and upward trend, and the diversification of hemp’s usage into multiple industries as we move forward into the future,” said Morris Beegle, President of We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA) and Producer of NoCo Hemp Expo.
“That’s why the theme of this year’s conference and trade show is Stewardship, Sustainability & Sovereignty. We are eager for the industry to refocus its overall agenda and we openly invite inside and outside of industry business leaders from around the world to the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo, and to show the world that hemp is part of the solution toward sustainability, regeneration and a greener climate and healthier economy. The Broadmoor, with its own commitment to sustainability, is a perfect place to host an international convention, elevate the hemp conversation, and attract larger businesses and corporations that should be considering hemp as part of their overall ingredient/input material and part of their ESG program moving forward into the next decade,” Beegle added.
Exhibits at NoCo9 will highlight the latest innovations in hemp, including the many product uses for hemp CBD and other cannabinoids, hemp fiber and industrial inputs in fashion and textiles, building materials, paper and packaging, biocomposites and plastics, food and beverages, cosmetics, oil and animal feed from hemp seed and more. The event also features a comprehensive educational program featuring a diverse lineup of expert speakers and topic material. “NoCo Hemp Expo is the one-stop gathering place for farmers, producers, processors, manufacturers, brands, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, buyers, sellers, and all others involved in or interested in the business of hemp,” said Beegle.
NoCo9’s educational program will focus on policy, public/private partnerships, investment and finance, science, technology, innovation, industry and consumer trends, regulatory updates, BIPOC and diversity in the hemp industry, university and academic research, advances and best practices in organic and regenerative agriculture, and more. In addition, NoCo Hemp Expo will offer numerous networking and relationship building functions throughout the event to grow your business and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Learn more about attendee, speaker, exhibitor and sponsor opportunities at the 9th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo by visiting www.NoCoHempExpo.com.
H.E.M.P – Health.Environment.Mindfulness.Purpose
Steven Hoffman is managing director of Compass Natural LLC in Boulder, Colo.
