Two European hemp veterans have been chosen to serve as experts on the European Commission’s Focus Group on Sustainable Industrial Crops in Europe. Daniel Kruse, President of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) and Hana Gabrielova, who sits on EIHA’s Advisory Committee, were named to the group.
Part of the European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture initiative, the focus group was launched to advance cutting edge solutions for European agriculture through stakeholder collaboration. The body’s ultimate goals are to gather knowledge and document practical experience to foster industrial farming practices that do not displace food production. The group’s work is part of the process that sets the basis for legislative text.
Seats at the table
Kruse has been in the hemp industry since 1995. He is the founder and CEO of Hempro Int. GmbH & Co. KG, a vertically integrated Dusseldorf-based producer and wholesaler of hemp foods, bulk raw materials for food, textiles, accessories and cosmetics; and HempConsult GmbH, an independent consulting firm. He was elected President of the EIHA in November 2019.
Gabrielova, founder and CEO at Czech-based Hempoint, is one of Europe’s pioneering and most innovative hemp entrepreneurs and a widely recognized expert on agricultural issues related to hemp and food. Her company advises farmers on hemp cultivation, and is an organic hemp food producer. She has worked on the environmental aspects of hemp and its potential in green transition and the bio-economy.
Hemp a ‘Permanent player’
“These appointments represent a wonderful opportunity for EIHA, as it will be a unique occasion for hemp to become a permanent player in decision-making for laws yet to be written,” said Lorenza Romanese, EIHA’s Managing Director. “This gives us strong representation at the Commission to make sure that hemp is taken into consideration in any policies written by the EU.”
EIHA also recently attained status as a registered stakeholder in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), giving the Association a better position to have an impact on EU legislation affecting hemp foods.
