The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) has welcomed the European Commission’s newly adopted EU Bioeconomy Strategy — a policy update that could significantly accelerate the development and competitiveness of the hemp industry across Europe.
At CBD Seed Europe, we fully support EIHA’s efforts and view this news as an important milestone for growers, processors, and all stakeholders across the hemp value chain.
Why EIHA’s Announcement Matters for Professional Hemp Growers
According to EIHA, the new strategy offers several concrete actions that directly address the main challenges faced by the European hemp sector. Here are the key points most relevant for growers and for the future of compliant, EU-certified seed genetics:
1. Major Investment Tools Opening for Hemp Infrastructure
EIHA highlights that the EU will mobilise funding through programs such as Horizon Europe, the European Competitiveness Fund, the Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group, and EIB-backed instruments.
These will support:
- fibre processing facilities
- biorefineries
- scaling of industrial hemp infrastructure
This could strengthen regional processing and reduce bottlenecks for the entire supply chain.
2. Inclusion in EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance
The Strategy aims to ensure that hemp processing and bio-based materials fall under the EU taxonomy.
EIHA notes that this will unlock access to sustainable finance tools — making it easier for investors to support hemp-related projects.
3. Increased Demand Through Public Procurement & Market Incentives
According to EIHA, the EU plans to encourage demand by:
- prioritising bio-based materials in public procurement
- promoting bio-based textiles, packaging, and building materials
- enabling long-term offtake agreements through the Bio-based Europe Alliance
This can create more stable markets for hemp materials and fibre-rich cultivars.
4. Faster Approvals & Harmonised Standards for Biobased Products
EIHA emphasises that the Strategy supports fast-track approvals and EU-wide standards for biobased materials — which can help new hemp-based products reach the market faster and with fewer regulatory barriers.
5. Stronger Regional Hemp Clusters Across Europe
CAP funding, industrial symbiosis valleys and biomanufacturing hubs aim to strengthen cooperation across the hemp value chain — connecting farmers, processors, and manufacturers.
This can lead to more resilient and efficient supply chains.
Hemp is now firmly recognised as a strategic crop for Europe’s sustainable future.
This shift brings long-term benefits for growers, especially those investing in compliant, EU-certified genetics:
✔ more stable demand
✔ clearer regulatory direction
✔ improved infrastructure
✔ enhanced investment in local processing
✔ stronger market opportunities across sectors
We applaud EIHA for their ongoing work in Brussels and fully support their efforts to ensure hemp is properly represented in upcoming legislation and industrial policies.
Source: EIHA Press Release (27 November 2025)
The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) has welcomed the European Commission’s newly adopted EU Bioeconomy Strategy — a policy update that could significantly accelerate the development and competitiveness of the hemp industry across Europe.
At CBD Seed Europe, we fully support EIHA’s efforts and view this news as an important milestone for growers, processors, and all stakeholders across the hemp value chain.
Why EIHA’s Announcement Matters for Professional Hemp Growers
According to EIHA, the new strategy offers several concrete actions that directly address the main challenges faced by the European hemp sector. Here are the key points most relevant for growers and for the future of compliant, EU-certified seed genetics:
1. Major Investment Tools Opening for Hemp Infrastructure
EIHA highlights that the EU will mobilise funding through programs such as Horizon Europe, the European Competitiveness Fund, the Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group, and EIB-backed instruments.
These will support:
- fibre processing facilities
- biorefineries
- scaling of industrial hemp infrastructure
This could strengthen regional processing and reduce bottlenecks for the entire supply chain.
2. Inclusion in EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance
The Strategy aims to ensure that hemp processing and bio-based materials fall under the EU taxonomy.
EIHA notes that this will unlock access to sustainable finance tools — making it easier for investors to support hemp-related projects.
3. Increased Demand Through Public Procurement & Market Incentives
According to EIHA, the EU plans to encourage demand by:
- prioritising bio-based materials in public procurement
- promoting bio-based textiles, packaging, and building materials
- enabling long-term offtake agreements through the Bio-based Europe Alliance
This can create more stable markets for hemp materials and fibre-rich cultivars.
4. Faster Approvals & Harmonised Standards for Biobased Products
EIHA emphasises that the Strategy supports fast-track approvals and EU-wide standards for biobased materials — which can help new hemp-based products reach the market faster and with fewer regulatory barriers.
5. Stronger Regional Hemp Clusters Across Europe
CAP funding, industrial symbiosis valleys and biomanufacturing hubs aim to strengthen cooperation across the hemp value chain — connecting farmers, processors, and manufacturers.
This can lead to more resilient and efficient supply chains.
Hemp is now firmly recognised as a strategic crop for Europe’s sustainable future.
This shift brings long-term benefits for growers, especially those investing in compliant, EU-certified genetics:
✔ more stable demand
✔ clearer regulatory direction
✔ improved infrastructure
✔ enhanced investment in local processing
✔ stronger market opportunities across sectors
We applaud EIHA for their ongoing work in Brussels and fully support their efforts to ensure hemp is properly represented in upcoming legislation and industrial policies.
Source: EIHA Press Release (27 November 2025)
