Zulfikar Mustapha, the Minister of Agriculture, has announced the imminent appointment of a CEO for the IHRA (Industrial Hemp Regulatory Authority). The CEO will be tasked with regulating the industry, including hemp’s use for clothes, food, fuel and other products.
The announcement of the appointment has been long-awaited, following the passing of the 2022 law legalizing hemp farming. It sets the stage for hemp’s commercialization in Guyana. It also promises to revitalize the country’s agricultural landscape, drive economic growth, and create new jobs.
Formed under the Industrial Hemp Act of 2022, the IHRA serves an important role in supervising the cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp. The IHRA’s mission is to ensure that each of these activities abide by the legal THC threshold of 0.3%. It prevents the misuse of hemp while ensuring that farmers comply with legal regulations.
With IHRA in place, hemp farmers have better access to the crop and could easily operate within the stipulated guidelines. To oversee the industry’s operations, including licensing and compliance enforcement, it was important to appoint a CEO.
The new CEO will be entrusted with managing IHRA’s operations set to begin by the end of February. This step reinforces the government’s dedication and commitment to the development of the hemp industry in Guyana.
Hemp farming would be a blessing for more than 50,000 farmers who are without work and struggling to make ends meet. It could generate thousands of jobs in the market, particularly benefitting the small-scale farmers in Guyana. It’s also a great alternative to the country’s traditional crop market harboring rice and sugarcane, both of which are facing many challenges in recent years.
The hemp crop could open up new avenues for both domestic and international use.
However, before the government introduces the industry to flourish in Guyana, the country must address some of its challenges.
Strong rules and regulations need to be introduced to prevent illegal activities and teach farmers how to grow the crop efficiently. Besides, Guyana needs a stable market for hemp production for which the government has to install better infrastructure, technology and machinery.
Growing hemp in Guyana could, however, pose a challenge, due to its hot and humid weather. But special machinery and techniques could help farmers grow this crop more efficiently. Additionally, hemp farming is relatively expensive, so the government needs to assure farmers of its profitability to justify the initial costs they have to incur.
Finally, it is vital to educate the public on hemp cultivation, while chopping off any misconceptions about the crop that may still exist. Some farmers confuse hemp with marijuana, a crop having a much higher percentage of THC. The government may partner with regulatory agencies like the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) to ensure transparency and build trust in the industry. Farmers may also need incentives and support to shift to hemp farming.
The big picture: Guyana’s hemp industry stands at a threshold of immense progress, but it must address these problems before fully launching. With a rollout of clear regulations and the right infrastructure in place, Guyana has the potential to become a leader in sustainable agriculture. It can unlock the full potential of hemp cultivation, transforming its agricultural sector and creating better job opportunities.