States Partner To Create Southeast Hemp Association

Focusing on the growth of collaborative opportunities across the Southeast region’s hemp industry, the former North Carolina Industrial Hemp Association has transitioned into the Southeast Hemp Association (SEHA). With 650 current members from seven different states, the SEHA will work to build the supply chain across the bioregion for the industry and promote best practices and standards for all facets of hemp, from plant to process to product.

The SEHA currently represents growers, processors, retailers, and ancillary service providers and plans to coordinate with existing hemp trade organizations to ensure consistency in messaging and goals.

“State borders should not define us when it comes to this multi-use agricultural commodity,” said Blake Butler, SEHA executive director. “Our goal is to establish a better network of communication to address all the upcoming state and federal challenges in our industry.”

New board members recently installed for the SEHA include:

• Rebecca Hobden, CEO, ECC Test Lab
• Shawn Hatley, co-founder, Aggrist/Growershemp,
• Susan Crews, CEO, Huntsboro Hemp Company
• Chip Miller, partner, Abundant Labs
• Paul Thomas, CEO, Broadway Hemp

Board Chair Marty Clemons and member Warren Williams will continue to serve out their board terms.

“The North Carolina Industrial Hemp Association has served as an invaluable resource for our organization to connect with other like-minded stakeholders and help advance the emerging industrial hemp industry,” said Mark Gignac, executive director of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia, and founding voting member. “As it transitions to the Southeast Hemp Association and promotes wider spread collaboration, I feel the benefits and impact will only continue to grow.”

Additional information on the association and benefits of membership are available at www.sehemp.org.