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. The three-day programme highlights business development through plenary sessions and in-depth presentations from leading hemp companies, offering direct access to owners and CEOs and creating space for meaningful discussions, partnerships, and new business opportunities. It also addresses value chain development, with expert-led sessions on stabilizing supply chains, carbon sequestration protocols, and the evolving regulatory framework for both fibers and extracts.
Through its partnership with IWNIRZ, the event provides scientific and laboratory access, allowing delegates to engage directly with researchers and gain insight into advances in plant breeding and decortication technology. An industry side trip will take participants to regional stalk processing facilities and seed multiplication farms, where they can observe the use of autonomous robotic farming and large-scale primary processing in practice. The 2026 Exhibition will serve as a curated showcase of industrial machinery and hemp-derived innovations, creating a high-level networking environment for approximately 250 global decision-makers.
"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.
For more information:
European Industrial Hemp Association
[email protected]
eiha.org/
