Friends of Hemp

We aim to raise funds to distribute for research projects and educational programs related to the industrial hemp industry. Our research projects are meant to create a broader understanding of the industrial hemp plant, improve production practices, make processes more efficient, and develop markets. Our educational programs are meant to bring awareness to the subject, educate producers on industry trends and regulations and de-stigmatize the plant.

Since 2022 we've focused the two ends of the hemp industry: farmers and consumers.

Getting quality hemp seeds into farmers' hands is the first step to creating a sustainable hemp industry. The future of the hemp industry and the health of our planet lies in the hands of consumers. Our educational campaign "Hemp for Our Future" focuses on the health benefits of hemp as a building material, food, clothing, and biofuel. Health for people and the planet.

In the past we've initiated various events to improve education like our Local Hemp Foods Cook-Off. The Cook-Off provides an opportunity for restaurants to cook-up a creative dish using hemp and have a community-wide tasting. Our producer seminars are meant to educate growers and processors on current industry trends and appropriate practices. Our monthly seminars will provide education to a broader audience. Our Writing Competition is meant to educate middle school, high school and college students about industrial hemp and in turn have the students educate their friends and families. Our research projects are aimed at becoming more familiar with the plant and the potential markets.  In order to accomplish our research projects and educational programs we form strategic partner agreements with state universities and other non-profit organizations.

We collaborate with industry professionals and community organizations to propel the benefits of hemp.



Past collaborations include:

Hemp Feed Coalition - in partnership with Hemp Feed Coalition

Hemp Foods Cook-Off - in partnership with Crave Food and Music Festival

Hemp Tap Takeover - in partnership with RockHouse Brewing

Writing Competition - in partnership with The Carnegie Center

Hempcrete Building Workshop - in partnership with NoLi CDC & KY Hemp Industries Association

It's all about relationships. Our current Hemp for the Future partnership campaign connects farmers, processors, manufacturers, and consumers.

By educating consumers we're able to create the demand that fuels industry growth. Without consumer demand a farmer has no reason to plant hemp, or a processor to build a plant.

By creating research-based data we're answering the questions farmers ask about the feasibility of growing hemp on their acreage.

We work with individuals and organizations around the country, together we're doing pretty big things.

Since founding, Friends of Hemp has actively supported the industry through collaborative campaigns to support research, education, and outreach. Currently we're funding Fiber Hemp Seed Trials in co-operation with the Global Hemp Association. We're filling a knowledge gap on hemp genetics and best field practices so farmers can grow successful crops.

At the same time, we're running an educational campaign for consumers on the health benefits of hemp, for themselves and our planet. We have an opportunity to educate farmers and consumers alike about the benefits of hemp as a sustainable crop and carbon sequestering plant.

In the past, our Hemp for our Future campaign supported communities impacted by the devastating effects of COVID-19. Contributions included hemp-based materials and goods and financial contributions. In addition, Friends of Hemp coordinated donations with hemp manufacturers who utilized their facilities for the production of essential supplies.

We've also supported event based programs like our Local Hemp Foods Cook Off and Hemp Tap Takeover appeal to the general public, normalizing the use of hemp as a food and beverage ingredient. Our farmer seminars have educated the farming and processing community, to understand the steps to entering the hemp industry. Last, our student writing competition and hempcrete building workshop have supported local efforts for those interested in investigating hemp and its derivatives.

Our most recent collaboration with the Hemp Feed Coalition provided a means to kickstart the initiative to approve hemp ingredients as an animal feed while the coalition professionally organized as a non-profit.