UNPA and HIA sign memorandum of understanding to advance hemp extract research, safety, and quality

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The United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) and Hemp Industries Association (HIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement in an effort to advance hemp extract product research, safety, identity, and quality standards. As part of the agreement, the two organizations will cooperate on Food Safety Modernization Act, Good Manufacturing Practice Section 111, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, and Foreign Supplier Verification Programs training and education, as well as exchange information through newsletters and correspondence to inform each other of news, events, and related information.

“UNPA has spent a great amount of time and energy evaluating appropriate relationships within the hemp and cannabis community,” said Loren Israelsen, UNPA president, in a press release. “Organizationally, we wanted to better understand the fundamentals of the hemp industry, including farming, processing and extraction systems. The health benefits and consumer interest in hemp extracts, CBD, and the other cannabinoids have become an important part of our work.”

“This MOU with the HIA advances these interests as the dietary supplement and hemp industries become allies in the commercial sector, as well as within regulatory, farm and foreign policy areas,” adds Israelson. “We think this sharing of resources and expertise will add value for both organizations and both industries.”

“On behalf of the HIA and its leadership, I am thrilled that UNPA qualifies our association for this important partnership,” said Colleen Keahey Lanier, HIA executive director, in a press release. “HIA members deserve to have the best information and training available to them. We look forward to sharing more information about the hemp industries, learning from UNPA and also advancing agreed-upon initiatives along the way.”

The agreement recognizes the importance of cooperation between the dietary supplement industry and hemp industry in advancing consumer confidence, industry standards, and regulatory compliance.