The HIA European Hemp Market Study Tour

The HIA is organizing a European Industry-Trip! 

This is an exciting opportunity for members to get a first hand look at the European Hemp Industry and attend the European Industrial Hemp Association's Annual Conference.

Projected Schedule

• Day 1, Saturday, June 9: Depart the U.S. for your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

• Day 2, Sunday, June 10: Early morning arrival with a city tour of Amsterdam. Visit Zandvoort Beach for lunch and meet with USDA FAS officer based in Amsterdam. Finish the day by visiting the Hash Marijuana and Hemp Museum. (Dinner)

• Day 3, Monday, June 11: Drive to Germany for a visit with "Haus Riswick," an experimental and educational station of the Chamber of Agriculture of Germany.  Here, you will meet with a hemp research specialist. Next, visit Hempro, a producer and wholesaler of the entire range of hemp (raw material) products as well as textiles, accessories and cosmetics. You will also be visiting a farm. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

• Day 4, Tuesday, June 12: Visit the EIHA conference in Cologne. This 15th international conference of the European Industrial Hemp Association is a great opportunity to meet with hemp specialists interested in networking about new topics along with applications of techniques in relation to hemp and other natural fibers. In attendance are over 300 participants from 30 different countries. (Breakfast)

• Day 5, Wednesday, June 13: Enjoy another day of the EIHA conference in Cologne. (Breakfast)

• Day 6, Thursday, June 14: Today will be a visit of Valbiom in Gembloux.  ValBiom is the Belgium non-food crop center.  ValBiom is active in biofuels and bioenergy, renewable raw material based products (bioplastic, biolubricant, ink). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 7, Friday, June 15: Start the day with a city tour through Brussels. Next, take a tour of the Parlamentarium. The European Parliament is based in Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels. Following lunch, meet with USDA officials and the European Farmers Association to discuss EU policies on hemp and agriculture in the EU. Finish the evening with dinner and Belgian beer tasting. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

• Day 8, Saturday, June 16: Following breakfast, enjoy a tour and tasting of one of Belgiums other special treats, chocolate! Travel back to the Netherlands and visit Kinderdijk windmills. Next, visit a cheese farm and enjoy a gouda tasting of the most well-know of all Dutch cheeses. Transfer to Amsterdam to enjoy the remainder of the day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

• Day 9, Sunday, June 17: Free day at leisure in Amsterdam!  Visit the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Heineken Brewery, etc.  Mid-late afternoon meet and travel to Groningen. (Breakfast, Dinner) 

• Day 10, Monday, June 18: Technical visits in the province of Northn Groningen, where the cultivation of hemp takes place. Visit HempFlax in Oude Pekela. Next, visit a farm providing hemp for HempFlax. Lastly, visit Dun Agro located in Oude Pekela. There will also be a visit to Vandinter Semo, a company that focuses on hemp seed production, seed trade and seed cultivation. Travel back to Amsterdam for your farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

• Day 11, Tuesday, June 19: Transfer to Amsterdam airport for your return flight back to the U.S. 

• Accommodations (10 nights)
  

• Transportation

• Full time - Bi-lingual Guide

• Tours/Technical Visits

• Gratuities for driver and guide

• Meals as noted on itinerary - water included 

Not Included

• International Airfare - group rates may be available 

• Conference fees http://www.eiha-conference.org/registration - stay tuned for information regarding group rates 

• Meals not shown on itinerary and soft drinks

• Alcoholic drinks

• Cost of valid U.S. passport

• Travel insurance (optional)

• Airline seat upgrades

• Excess baggage fees

• Anything not specified above or giving as optional or at leisure

• Souvenirs

• Leisure activities on free days/time

• Hotel charges for incidentals, including telephone calls, pay per view movies, mini bars, and snack trays, personal laundry, room service, and hotel penalties for smoking in hotel rooms. 

Questions? Please contact Erin Pully at memberservices@thehia.org or 707-874-3648 ext 2.