The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) has set its federal policy priorities for 2026. Food safety-related issues are central to NASDA's 2026 advocacy work for the Farm Bill, animal diseases and traceability, and pesticides
In the U.S., as part of the appropriations bill ending the government shutdown, Congress closed the 2018 Farm Bill loophole allowing the sale of hemp-derived THC products, such as edibles and beverages. At the same time, in the EU, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set a safe intake level for Delta-8 THC in food.
As the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector has grown, so too has its original industry group. In 2022, the CEA Food Safety Coalition became the CEA Alliance, adding multiple workflows and new produce commodities to the group.
CBD holds massive potential across every area of food and beverages. According to The Brightfield Group, the U.S. hemp-derived CBD market could hit $22 billion by 2022.