In 2022, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) celebrates our 40th anniversary. Over four decades, AHPA has seen significant growth – now with more than 400 member companies across five continents, 17 committees representing key areas of industry interest, and valuable resources that include second editions of AHPA’s Botanical Safety Handbook and Herbs of Commerce.
To mark our 40th anniversary, AHPA will recognize landmark achievements, key milestones, and longtime members with celebrations online and in-person at events throughout the year. AHPA has been proactively developing industry standards since our inception and many of AHPA’s founding members are still active in the herbal community today.
“AHPA’s distinguished history of regulatory action and advocacy speaks to the dedication and expertise of our members and staff,” said AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “Though much has changed in four decades, AHPA’s mission to protect and preserve the choices of our families, friends and neighbors who seek access to herbs for their personal health has endured since 1982,” added McGuffin, who has led the organization since 1999.
AHPA’s regulatory and self-regulatory actions have taken many forms over 40 years. AHPA’s first trade requirement was adopted in 1988, prohibiting trade in wild-harvested lady’s slippers. In 2006, AHPA led industry support for the establishment of a serious adverse event reporting law. In 2021, AHPA led a coordinated effort in the herbal community to prevent consumer confusion over the word “herbalist” by opposing use of the term as a trademark.
“It is an honor to preserve the history of medicinal plants and herbal ingredients, as well as support research and regulation to ensure herbal goods and natural products are accessible to consumers who want them,” said McGuffin. “Together with AHPA’s members, board of trustees and committees, the other trade organizations representing dietary supplements, and all those who make up our diverse and passionate herbal community, the AHPA team and I look forward to continuing to advance the industry in 2022 and beyond.”