Policy, innovation, and international collaboration dominate discussions at Europe’s premier hemp event.
BERLIN — The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), in partnership with WAFBA and Experience Hemp, successfully wrapped its 22nd Annual Conference in Berlin, drawing a record turnout and reinforcing the hemp sector’s growing relevance across regulatory, agricultural, and industrial domains.
Held June 12–13 at the Dorint Kurfürstendamm, the event brought together a diverse mix of policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and international stakeholders, continuing the momentum from last year’s gathering in Prague. The conference served as both a strategic think tank and a showcase of technological advancement, emphasizing hemp’s emerging role in sustainable development and economic diversification.
German Reform Sets the Tone
The conference opened with a spotlight on Germany’s evolving approach to hemp legislation. As the country moves toward a more structured regulatory framework, the discussions underscored how domestic policy shifts may reverberate throughout the broader European Union. With Germany often serving as a bellwether for EU policy, stakeholders were keen to unpack the implications for cultivation, product standards, and trade.
A Multi-Sector Agenda
Over two intensive days, the conference delivered a forward-looking program spanning key areas of the hemp economy:
- Breeding & Agriculture: Experts presented innovations in hemp genetics and farming techniques aimed at boosting crop efficiency and resilience.
- Fibres & Textiles: Sessions highlighted progress in fibre extraction, with a particular focus on hemp’s viability as a sustainable raw material in fashion and industry.
- Construction Materials: A growing interest in hempcrete and other bio-based building materials demonstrated hemp’s potential to transform the construction sector.
- Value Chain Integration: Discussions addressed the pressing need for scalable processing infrastructure, supply chain coordination, and investment in commercialization strategies.
- CBD and Regulatory Compliance: Panels examined Europe’s complex CBD market, with regulators and industry leaders tackling updates to safety standards, authorizations, and public perception.
- Global Insights: Presenters from North America, Asia, and Africa shared market intelligence, highlighting regulatory trends and the growing importance of international collaboration and harmonized standards.
Industry Showcase and Networking
Beyond the panels, the Experience Hemp exhibitor space provided a hands-on look at product innovation—from cosmetics to construction materials—underscoring the sector’s rapid diversification. Exhibitors engaged with a high-caliber audience, including investors, scientists, and buyers seeking next-generation biobased solutions.
Charting the Future
The conference also hosted the annual EIHA General Meeting, a cornerstone event for members to set strategic goals, share policy updates, and shape the association’s agenda moving forward. This year’s gathering was especially timely, as hemp’s potential contribution to Europe’s Green Deal, agricultural diversification, and industrial decarbonization gained renewed political attention.
Notably, representatives from the European Commission and several national agriculture ministries participated actively, lending institutional weight to the proceedings. Their presence signaled an increased recognition of hemp as a key pillar in Europe’s sustainability and innovation strategies.
A Sector on the Rise
“We’re seeing real momentum—not just from within the hemp community, but from policymakers and industries looking for credible green alternatives,” said Lorenza Romanese, Managing Director of EIHA. “This conference proves hemp is no longer on the periphery—it’s becoming central to Europe’s bioeconomy.”
The 22nd EIHA Conference closed on a high note, buoyed by growing international cooperation, scientific progress, and clear pathways to policy reform. For industry professionals and government stakeholders alike, the message from Berlin was unmistakable: hemp is not just a crop—it’s a catalyst for the future.
For information on membership and upcoming initiatives, contact info@eiha.org or visit www.eiha.org.
About EIHA
The European Industrial Hemp Association represents hemp farmers, producers, and traders across textiles, construction materials, paper, cosmetics, animal feed, food, and supplements. Committed to advocacy and innovation, EIHA works to shape hemp-friendly policies at both EU and global levels—ensuring a prosperous, sustainable future for the industry.
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