PENNSYLVANIA – Global standards organisation ASTM International and the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop new standards for industrial hemp.
Hemp is reported to provide considerable potential as a sustainable natural fibre for the textiles industry. However, while it offers benefits in terms of soil health, biodiversity, weed suppression and increasing yields for subsequent crops, a 2023 Textile Exchange report noted that it is currently largely grown with the use of biological pesticides and fertilisers and therefore care needs to be given as the industry expands.
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The full press release
ASTM International and Federation of International Hemp Organizations Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Last week,global standards organization ASTM International signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO).
The agreement was signed at ASTM International’s Brussels office by Sara Gobbi, ASTM International’s director of European affairs, and Frederic Vallier, FIHO’s secretary general.
The purpose of the MoU is to outline a framework of cooperation between ASTM and FIHO for the development of standards for industrial hemp.
Included in the scope of the agreement, ASTM and FIHO agree to undertake the following activities, among others:
- ASTM will serve as the standards developing organization for the activity, providing structure for the activity within the ASTM committee or subcommittees. And all managerial and administrative support for the organization of the activity and its subsequent standards development and delivery.
- FIHO will participate with the ASTM process and provide technical expertise to: assist in the development of the ASTM standards portfolio for industrial hemp; and provide information and industrial hemp perspectives regarding cannabis standards that can have an effect on hemp. FIHO agrees to reference and use resulting ASTM standards, as appropriate, to ensure the quality of products and services, and the safety of the consumer and the environment as it relates to the hemp industries.
ASTM International is a not-for-profit nongovernmental organization that develops voluntary consensus standards and defers to appropriate government authorities to determine the legal and regulatory framework regarding the control and use of cannabis.
To learn more about the work of ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) and ASTM’s other efforts in the cannabis space, visithttps://www.astmcannabis.org/.
FIHO is a not for profit non-governmental organization established in 2022 by a group of 20 global hemp organizations representing over 50 countries across the globe.
To learn more about FIHO and the development of HEMP in the world, visithttps://www.fiho.org/.
About FIHO
The mandate of the FIHO is to unite industry leaders; consolidate market expertise; coordinate resources; and, speak with one voice on hemp issues at the global level. FIHO aims to identify and create opportunities and scale up sustainable hemp production, marketing and trade to benefit the global hemp industry, consumers, and the environment.
About ASTM International
Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovate services to improve lives… Helping our world work better.
Media Inquiries:
ASTM: Gavin O’Reilly, tel +1.610.832.9618;[email protected]
FIHO: Frederic Vallier, tel +32 474 25 75 40;[email protected]
