As the iHemp Summit Chair, I look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand’s first Industrial Hemp Summit.  We have been promoting the iHemp industry since 1997 but it is only now that some serious momentum is beginning to build as people become aware of the potential of the iHemp industry. This year’s summit is therefore very timely. 80 years of prohibition of cannabis means not a lot of work has been done in this space and this is where Kiwi ingenuity has a lot to offer the emerging industry. We have talented people that can create solutions and improvements for growing and processing our annual crop, in to a wide range of exportable products and technology. At the Summit we will hear how iHemp is a sustainable source of food, fiber and medicine and how this can become part of your future business plans. Learn about the past, what is happening in the present and hear from experts about the potential for the future. This is a brand new primary industry for New Zealand and with your involvement we will make it a success.