Hemp feed markets continue to develop but will take years to normalize. The regulatory pathway for new animal feed ingredients has historically been slow and arduous. That pathway was the result of a collaboration between the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

We previously reported that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between FDA and AAFCO had expired, leaving no valid pathway for approvals in place. This presented another obstacle for active approvals, like the one for hempseed meal (HSM) for laying hens.

But that changes, with the recent announcement by AAFCO about a newly approved regulatory pathway for animal feed ingredients. AAFCO will now partner with the Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus (K-State Olathe) after AAFCO membership approved the venture this week.

“AAFCO’s partnership with K-State…