Brussels,Belgium / Poznań, Poland
24th March 2026

The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) will hold its 23rd Annual Conference in Poznań, Poland, from June 10–12, 2026. This year’s summit is organized in professional partnership with the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants (IWNIRZ), a National Research Institute that has led European botanical and fiber research since 1930.

The 2026 conference marks a pivotal shift toward industrial application, focusing on the infrastructure required to scale hemp-based solutions within the European Bioeconomy Strategy. The programme is specifically designed to address the entire value chain, with dedicated technical tracks for composites, textiles, construction, food, feed, and cosmetics.

"I am deeply proud that the 23rd EIHA Conference is taking place in Poland at IWNIRZ," says Jacek Kramarz, President of the EIHA Board. "As someone who has seen the growth of the Polish hemp sector firsthand, bringing the international community to Poznań is a significant milestone. IWNIRZ is not just a partner; it is a symbol of the scientific excellence that our industry is built upon. Hosting the delegation here allows us to showcase the real-world progress of the Polish Hemp Program and its integration into the wider European market."

Strategic Programme and Technical Focus

The conference structure emphasizes technical exchange and industrial reality over speculation. Key elements of the three-day programme include:

• Business Development and success stories: Plenary sessions and in-depth focus presentation from top tier hemp companies, offering insights into their businesses. Best opportunity to meet owners and CEOs of EU top hemp companies, engage in discussions, build relationships and generate business
• Value Chain Development: Plenary sessions will feature experts discussing the stabilization of supply chains, carbon sequestration protocols, and the evolving regulatory framework for both fibers and extracts.
• Scientific and Laboratory Access: Through the partnership with IWNIRZ, delegates will have the opportunity to engage with researchers at the Institute’s facilities, gaining insights into the latest advancements in plant breeding and decortication technology.
• Industry Side Trip: A planned excursion to regional stalk processing facilities and seed multiplication farms will demonstrate the deployment of autonomous robotic farming and large-scale primary processing.
• The 2026 Exhibition: A curated showcase of industrial machinery and hemp-derived innovations, providing a high-level networking environment for the approximately 250 global decision-makers in attendance.

"Our objective in Poznań is to move the conversation from potential to performance," says Francesco Mirizzi, EIHA Managing Director. "By centering the programme on the technical expertise available at IWNIRZ, we are providing our members and the wider industry with the data-driven insights necessary for long-term investment and sector scaling."

Event Schedule

The proceedings will open on June 10 with the EIHA General Meeting (GM), a session reserved for association members to discuss internal policy and the 2027 strategic roadmap. The International Conference and Exhibition will follow on June 11–12, culminating in an official Gala Dinner.

Journalists and industry delegates may find the programme and registration details on the official conference portal: https://eiha-conference.org.

About EIHA

The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) is the only pan-European membership organisation representing the hemp sector. Its members include farmers, processors, manufacturers, and traders working with hemp fibres, shives, seeds, leaves, and cannabinoids. EIHA represents and defends the interests of the hemp industry at the European level, promoting a fair, science-based regulatory environment that enables the sustainable growth of the hemp sector.

About IWNIRZ

The Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants - National Research Institute (IWNIRZPIB) is a leading European research center based in Poland. It specializes in the research, cultivation, and processing of natural fiber crops and medicinal plants.

Website: https://eiha.org/

Published: March 24, 2026