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Archive February 2025
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AHPA mourns passing of longtime President Michael McGuffin
February 18, 2025
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Michael McGuffin |
With immense sadness and heavy hearts, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) announces the passing of Michael McGuffin on Monday, February 17, 2025.
For 25 years, Michael served as AHPA President, leaving an indelible mark on the natural products industry through his steadfast advocacy for reasonable regulations and proactive self-governance. Beyond his professional contributions, he was a trusted mentor, a cherished friend to many, and a pillar of the herbal community.
We will deeply miss his humor, his encyclopedic knowledge of the herbal industry, his wise counsel – and, of course, his expert tomato-growing skills. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his remarkable legacy, which will continue to shape AHPA and the broader industry for years to come.
“Michael’s leadership and passion were unparalleled, and his impact on AHPA and the herbal community cannot be overstated,” said Jane Wilson, Interim Executive Director of AHPA. “While we grieve this tremendous loss, AHPA remains fully committed to serving our members and carrying forward the vision and values that Michael championed.”
Details on plans to celebrate Michael’s life and contributions to the herbal industry will be shared in the coming days.
AHPA appoints Jane Wilson as Interim Executive Director
February 14, 2025
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Board of Trustees has appointed Jane Wilson as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. Wilson currently serves as AHPA's Director of Program Development, and she has been an invaluable member of the AHPA team since 2013. Ms. Wilson has graciously agreed to accept this leadership role to ensure continuity and support for the association’s members during the remainder of the search for the next AHPA President.
"I am honored to lead AHPA during this important time of transition," said Wilson. "Our industry plays a vital role in supporting consumer health and wellness, and I am committed to ensuring AHPA continues to be a strong and reliable advocate for our members.”
Wilson brings extensive experience in regulatory affairs and program management within the natural products industry, which positions her well to effectively lead the association in her interim role. During this period, AHPA members can expect continued dedication to the issues that matter most to the herbal product and dietary supplement industries and a seamless continuation of AHPA's essential work.
Senate confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary
February 13, 2025
Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). With this transition in public health leadership, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) continues its commitment to engage with policymakers on issues affecting the herbal product and dietary supplement industries.
AHPA recognizes the importance of open dialogue with HHS and other regulatory agencies to address, reform and improve policies that govern herbal products and dietary supplements, and welcomes new opportunities to advocate for longstanding priorities on behalf of the community.
In times of great change, AHPA’s mission and values stand constant. We look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to support a stable, thriving market for beneficial, well-regulated herbal products and dietary supplements.
Annual Fund Sponsors support AHPA mission and herbal industry
February 4, 2025
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) extends great appreciation to the following member companies for their generous contributions as 2025 AHPA Annual Fund Sponsors: Alkemist Labs, Botanic Tonics, Eurofins, Jiaherb, Mountain Rose Herbs, Nammex, RT Specialty, HP Ingredients, Mineralife, Mueggenburg USA, Nuherbs, and Pacific Botanicals. In addition, AHPA President Michael McGuffin has personally donated $10,000 to the annual fund, reinforcing his dedication to AHPA’s mission and the broader herbal industry.
"I am honored to join this incredible group of sponsors in supporting AHPA’s mission and the herbal products industry," said McGuffin. "Their generosity ensures AHPA can continue its vital work advocating for our industry, and I am grateful to stand alongside them in this effort."
Support for the annual fund ensures that AHPA can continue advocating for the highest quality standards, promoting industry best practices, and protecting consumer access to herbal products and dietary supplements. To learn more and support the AHPA Annual Fund, please contact Amber Bennett, VP of Marketing & Engagement, at abennett@ahpa.org.
AHPA submits comments to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notice on potential CITES listing proposals
February 4, 2025
Comments focus on white sage and American ginseng
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has submitted comments in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Federal Register notice (89 FR. 105074-105089) issued on December 26, 2024, announcing the twentieth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20) scheduled to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on November 24-December 5, 2025. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international treaty that oversees international trade in endangered species.
In this Federal Register notice, FWS responded to recommendations received from the public concerning proposed amendments to the CITES Appendices (species listing proposals) that the United States might submit for consideration at CoP20, and invited comments and information relevant to these proposals. The Notice includes a list of plant and animal species and proposed actions of “likely,” “unlikely,” or “undecided” on whether FWS will submit a species listing proposal for consideration at CoP20.
AHPA’s comments focused on two botanical species for which FWS indicated a currently “undecided” position – white sage (Salvia apiana) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), which is currently listed in CITES Appendix II. For both of these botanicals, FWS has expressed the intent to conduct further outreach to other range states, as well as consideration of additional recommendations, trade analyses, or biological information on the species in question prior to finalizing a U.S. position for the CoP20 meeting.
Regarding white sage, FWS is considering whether to propose that this herb be added to CITES Appendix II, the second highest and most common level of CITES control. AHPA noted that multiple interested parties had submitted substantive information regarding the potential need to monitor international trade of this species through a CITES listing, due to illegal harvest, habitat encroachment, and increasing international trade demand. In its comments, AHPA provided information reported for white sage for it 2021-2023 tonnage survey, which is in the final stages of editing prior to publication. AHPA invites any of its members with an interest in white sage to provide specific information on its conservation status and potential need for protection during international trade for the FWS’s consideration.
For American ginseng, FWS indicates it is evaluating two potential proposals. The first is a suggestion to transfer American ginseng from its current Appendix II listing to Appendix I, the highest level of CITES control. AHPA strongly objects to this potential proposal as no documentation has been provided that the species meets the requirements for an Appendix I listing. The second potential action is to amend the current annotation to the American ginseng listing to allow for an exemption for cultivated American ginseng that is packaged for retail trade when it enters international commerce. Such an exemption is provided for several other CITES listed species, such as Rhodiola spp.
The December 26, 2024 Federal Register notice was the second in a series of public comment opportunities that FWS provides in preparation for CITES CoP meetings. FWS will also conduct a public meeting 2-3 months prior to the CoP meeting to provide the public with another opportunity to shape the U.S. positions on CITES listing proposals to be reviewed at CoP20. More information about the U.S. preparations for CoP20 can be found on the FWS website.
AHPA holds the position of authorized observer with CITES and has been directly involved with official activities of the international treaty since 2002, ensuring the interests of AHPA members are represented given that CITES listing of plant species have a direct impact on manufacturers and marketers of products containing these botanicals as ingredients. AHPA’s CITES primer provides an understanding of the processes and practices that must be followed to be in compliance when importing and exporting CITES-listed species.
Canadian tariffs paused; exemption info released for Chinese and Canadian goods in transit
February 3, 2025
Recent press announcements breaking at the time of publication report an agreement by the US to "pause" tariffs on Canada for 30 days. The announcement follows a similar 30 day pause agreement with Mexico.
A pair of federal register notices (Canada, China) have entered prepublication implementing the tariffs. These notices include tariff codes which companies with goods in transit at the time tariffs enter effect tomorrow, February 4, can use to exempt such goods from the new tariff regimes. The notice regarding Canadian tariffs may be rescinded in light of the announced pause; affected companies should continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation.
Tariffs announced on Canada, China, Mexico
