Industrial Hemp
It is now legal in the United States to grow and process industrial hemp. While hemp cannot be used as a food ingredient or dietary supplement, it can be harvested for its fiber, seeds, and CBD.
Apple Leaf is at the forefront of this growing industry. Our expert food safety staff can streamline your hemp production and processing methods, establishing protocols for regulatory pesticide and contaminant testing. We assist in navigating new federal and state hemp regulations as well as national hemp export requirements.
Potential obstacles could arise in the hemp industry. Will production technology keep up with rapidly increasing field production? Will there be bottlenecks in processing and lab testing? How can we best navigate issues concerning product labeling and marketing? Apple Leaf can help you answer and address these questions.
If you are in or interested in entering the industrial hemp industry, let us assist you in the following ways:
GAP Program Development
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program development ensures regulatory compliance while helping your operation create a solid and sustainable production program. Our team can help you meet requirements related to fertility, water use, weed control, strain selection, harvest technology, and insect and disease management, among others.
GMP Program Development
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program development ensures your operation stays within regulatory compliance guidelines. This process bolsters quality assurance and results in effective post-harvest handling and processing protocols.
Third-Party Auditing Services
Many processors require third-party GAP audits to maintain a high level of quality assurance. In some states, regulatory agencies require GMP audits to manufacture and sell hemp-based CBD products. Whether you need a third-party GAP audit to satisfy processor and handling requirements or a GMP audit to meet regulatory and marketing requirements, Apple Leaf is here to assist.
*Industrial hemp is legal at the federal level (THC <0.3%) but is regulated differently by each state. Check with your local and state authorities to determine how you can legally grow or process industrial hemp. Changes to FDA regulations could change the 2020 production landscape. Apple Leaf is staying apprised of these changes.
