In this episode of SWOT About Hemp, Charles Kovess and Joseph Hickey unpack Recommendation 2 from the global SWOT Report, focusing on hemp’s sustainability credentials and why they matter now more than ever.

The conversation explores how hemp fits into a return to a carbohydrate-based economy, replacing long-lasting hydrocarbon products that contribute to pollution, waste and environmental harm. Charles and Joseph discuss hemp’s role in carbon sequestration, sustainable construction, textiles and insulation, and how hemp-based materials can reduce reliance on plastics and toxic building products.

They share practical examples, including hempcrete homes, natural insulation, sustainable flooring, textiles and fishing nets, highlighting how hemp can contribute to healthier homes, cleaner oceans and reduced environmental impact. The episode also reflects on consumer behaviour, market demand and why education and clear communication are essential to driving real change.

This discussion builds on insights from the Challenges and Chances for Hemp SWOT Report, produced by Hemp Today and the Cannat Markets Group, and reinforces the importance of promoting measurable environmental benefits to policymakers, industry and consumers.

Listeners can access the full SWOT Report free of charge by signing the EVOLVE 2033 Pledge via the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO).

SWOT About Hemp is a regular conversation with Charles Kovess in Australia and Joseph Hickey in Kentucky, exploring the global strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats shaping the industrial hemp sector.

Each episode draws on practical insights from the industry and the landmark Challenges and Chances for Hemp report, offering clear discussion of regulation, agriculture, processing, investment, legislation and global market trends.

Listeners can access the full SWOT report free of charge by signing the FIHO Pledge at https://fiho.org/pledge/

- the Pledge supports global collaboration and the development of a stable, high-quality, cross-border hemp supply chain.

This podcast acknowledges and references:

• Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative Association (KHGCA) — https://khgca.com/

• FIHO – Federation of International Hemp Organizations — https://fiho.org/

• AIHA – Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance — https://hempalliance.org.au/

These organisations work together to promote responsible, science-based hemp policy, global harmonisation and sustainable industrial hemp development.

Join us weekly for insightful, practical discussions about hemp today, why it matters and how you can help shape the future of this emerging global industry.

Charles and Joseph explore how the hemp industry can create consistent global messaging around sustainability, diverse applications and the distinction between hemp and cannabis.

They explain why complexity often prevents newcomers from understanding the crop, why farmers need certainty before planting and why unified communication frameworks are essential for long-term industry growth.

They also highlight the valuable SWOT Report published by Hemp Today and the Canna Markets Group, which is available for free through taking the FIHO Evolve 2033 Pledge.

In this inaugural episode, Charles Kovess in Australia and Joseph Hickey in Kentucky introduce SWOT About Hemp, a new series exploring the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats shaping the global industrial hemp industry.

Charles and Joseph discuss why the show exists, how it will help the industry and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes. They unpack the purpose of the Challenges and Chances for Hemp SWOT Report, produced by Hemp Today and the Kenaf Markets Group, and explain why clear, reliable information is essential for farmers, processors, investors and policymakers.

This episode also covers recent developments in the United States, including proposed THC restrictions and the broader implications for regulation, market confidence and international harmonisation. Charles and Joseph share practical insights drawn from decades of involvement in hemp and outline how this podcast aims to bring clarity, context and global perspective to an industry facing rapid change.

Listeners can download the full SWOT Report free by signing the FIHO Pledge at https://fiho.org/pledge/

Acknowledgements:

Kentucky Hemp Growers Cooperative Association – https://khgca.com/

FIHO – Federation of International Hemp Organizations – https://fiho.org/

AIHA – Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance – https://hempalliance.org.au/

Music Attribution:

Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos

Licence code: PELUW1SFWN87WVGC

Artist: Nick Petrov