There were many interesting and thought provoking discussions and speeches at the 19th EIHA Conference in Brussels this year. There were various panel discussions covering topics ranging from seeds all the way to finished products including foods, textiles and building materials. CBD Seed Europe were lucky enough to be invited to speak on the breeding and genetics panel where Francesco Folcarelli gave a speech and took part in the discussion. 

During the panel many things were discussed such as the database for genotypes and phenotypes, which was developed in the United States outlining the different types of hemp and cannabis varieties and their distribution of THC and CBD as well as other characteristics. The conversation then moved on to the differences between hemp varieties for fibre and seeds and hemp varieties for CBD extraction, where questions were asked about the price of seeds and if they would be reduced and both camps agreed that the issue was with return on investment with the investment into research and development being too high for the prices to go down.

The discussion then moved on to regulatory issues, specifically blue label where we put questions to the European commission as to why we are not yet listed on the common catalogue despite having our blue label. We have not yet gotten answers and are continuing to pursue the commission to ensure that our strains are visible to all of our customers, because we have put in the work and that should be recognised by the European government.