"Why Isn't Hemp in Animal Feed?" Webinar to be Hosted by AAFCO and NIHC

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) will host a free webinar on Tuesday, August 9 at 11 a.m. Central Time to discuss the obstacles and steps required to gain approval for hemp as an animal feed ingredient.

Why Isn’t Hemp Used in Animal Feed? A Discussion on Overcoming Challenges & Gaining Approval,” will feature 15 industry professionals from the “feed manufacturing, hemp production, scientific research, and regulatory oversight” industries who will cover the following topics: scientific research and data; ingredient review and approval; and interests and concerns shared by all.

Since the passage of the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, the use of hemp in commercial animal feed has garnered increased interest (Farm Bill). While the Farm Bill expanded the legal production of hemp in the United States, the use of hemp in commercial animal feed remains under the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state regulatory programs, according to AAFCO and NIHC officials. Officials added that industry professionals are more eager than ever to gain clarity on the implications and collaborate on safe solutions.

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AAFCO and 17 industry and regulatory organizations sent an open letter to state agriculture leaders in early 2022, urging them to support increased education and scientific research to ensure the safety of hemp in feed. Following this, NIHC issued a letter inviting AAFCO and industry professionals to collaborate on the development of safe solutions.

The webinar will provide the animal feed, hemp, and regulatory industries with the opportunity to discuss questions, challenges, solutions, and best practices for addressing the essential question: “Why Isn’t Hemp in Animal Feed?” The webinar will be divided into three sections to address the following topics: scientific research and data, ingredient review and approval, and common concerns. Each segment will feature five panelists answering questions and leading a discussion on their respective topics.

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The webinar will be divided into three sections:

Part 1 will cover Scientific Research and Data, from 12:15-1:20 p.m. (EDT)
Part 2 will cover Ingredient Review and Approval, from 1:30-2:35 p.m. (EDT)
Part 3 will cover Interests and Concerns Everyone Is Facing, from 2:45-3:50 p.m. (EDT).

Each section will include five panelists who will respond to questions and moderate discussions. The panelists are:

Charlotte Conway, deputy director of the Division of Animal Food Ingredients, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Massimo Bionaz of Oregon State University
Dr. Rex Newkirk of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance
Dr. Kendall Swanson of North Dakota State University
Dr. Craig Schluttenhofer of Central State University
Frank Sikora, University of Kentucky Division of regulatory services director of laboratories, Hemp PTP program director; AAFCO member
Dr. Raj Kasula, senior vice president and chief nutrition officer, Wenger Group; Board Director, Hemp Feed Coalition
Kathleen May, Chair, D-37 Committee, ASTM International
Hunter Buffington, vice president of policy and advocacy at Element6 Dynamics; member, Government Affairs Committee, NIHC
Bill Richmond, Chief, U.S. Domestic Hemp Program, USDA
Erin Bubb, division chief of agronomic and regional services at Pennsylvania Dept. of Ag., and past president of AAFCO
Jeremy Powers, strategic advisor for international affairs at 357 Hemp Logistics; NIHC committee member
Dr. Kimberly Guay of Tarleton University
Leah Wilkinson, vice president of public policy and education at the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)
Dr. Dharati Szymanski, assistant director of the division of animal and public health at the American Veterinary Medical Association