The U.S. hemp industry is making a significant global move this September as a delegation of 26 leaders, companies, and academic institutions heads to Japan for the first-ever Tokyo International Hemp Conference. Scheduled for September 24-26, this groundbreaking event is hosted by the Japan Industrial Hemp Association (JIHA) and focuses on the future of hemp and cannabinoid-related research and industry.
The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) is leading this U.S. delegation, thanks to a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The delegation will participate in a wide array of activities, including exhibitions, meetings with embassy officials, business networking events, and field tours of Japan’s renowned Golden Hemp farms.
“The Tokyo International Hemp Conference marks a new chapter in international collaboration and innovation within the hemp industry,” said NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi. “We are excited to lead this diverse group of U.S. delegates to Tokyo, showcasing American leadership in hemp science and innovation, while also fostering partnerships that advance the industry globally.”
The conference aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will gather industry experts from around the world. Participants will discuss cutting-edge research on both the industrial and medical applications of hemp and cannabinoids. In addition to U.S. leaders, notable international organizations like the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) and the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TIHTA) will be present. U.S. industry figures such as Patrick Atagi from NIHC and Morris Beegle from We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA) will contribute to panel discussions on the state of the U.S. hemp industry and its future prospects.
Beyond the academic and industrial focus, the Tokyo International Hemp Conference also highlights hemp’s cultural significance in Japan. Hemp has been used in Japan for over 10,000 years, playing a vital role in traditional medicine and sacred rituals. Today, Japan’s Golden Hemp, a high-value fiber used in ceremonial practices, is gaining attention as a potential area for international collaboration and growth in the hemp market.
The U.S. delegation includes prominent companies and organizations such as HempWood, IND Hemp, The Hemp Plastic Company, Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, WAFBA, USHBA, FyberX, Bear Fiber, and the Kentucky Hemp Farmers Cooperative, among others. NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi will also represent the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee on Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts, and Hemp alongside Mike Klumpp from Ag Marvels.
For updates on the event, follow NIHC on social media using the hashtag #NIHCJapan2024 or visit the event’s website for more details.
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