The launch of the Industrial Hemp Innovation Hub (IHIH), marks a major milestone in UK leadership for sustainable farming and circular economic development.
Based at AberInnovation, the biosciences campus and subsidiary of Aberystwyth University, the IHIH is anchored in the university’s agricultural and environmental expertise, and positions farmers as the primary stakeholders in a transformative vision for the UK’s green economy.
All Party Parliamentary Group
As Secretariat of the newly established Industrial Hemp All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), the IHIH is set to influence national policy, foster regenerative rural economies, and unlock the full environmental and economic value of industrial hemp. Its work spans key sectors—from textiles and construction to biofuels, food, bioplastics, animal products, and medical applications—bringing together British academia, global innovation models, and industry collaborators.
Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion Preseli, and Chair of Industrial Hemp All Party Parliamentary Group, said, “The Industrial Hemp Innovation Hub at Aberystwyth University is igniting a new economic engine rooted in resilience, sustainability, and local prosperity. As we build a circular economy fit for the 21st century, Wales is leading the way in unlocking the full potential of hemp to create jobs, decarbonise industry and revitalise rural communities. This model is transformative and a blueprint for a thriving green economy across the UK.”
Research working closely with industry
Crucially, the IHIH will work closely with the hemp industry and aligned sectors to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while creating long-term wealth, high-quality jobs, and climate-smart opportunities for communities across the UK. At its core, the IHIH prioritises the farming sector as the foundation of this agenda, promoting diversification, carbon sequestration, soil regeneration, and rural resilience while ensuring commercial viability.
Sonia Klein, Secretariat Lead at the Industrial Hemp APPG, “The Industrial Hemp Innovation Hub is a game-changer for the UK, creating opportunities for sustainable business growth while tackling key environmental challenges. Our work is positioning Wales and the UK at the forefront of the green economy achieving both economic and environmental goals.”
Key areas of focus of the IHIH:
Advocacy & Policy Engagement: Shaping hemp-related policies to drive industry growth across Wales and the UK
Research & Development: Collaborating with universities and industry leaders to explore hemp’s applications in sustainable industries
Economic Viability: Promoting hemp farming to diversify farm incomes and as a driver of green jobs, rural economies, and resilient supply chains
Supporting UK Hemp Processing: Encouraging the development of domestic processing facilities to ensure the growth of a robust and sustainable UK hemp industry
Financial Market Exploration: Exploring financial markets to facilitate industry development and provide support for farmers to grow hemp, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.