Growing hemp

Why grow hemp?

Hemp is a fascinating plant and renewable resource used in a variety of important and valuable commercial products. Hemp is a renewable resource that can be grown with minimal impact on the environment.

Hemp is beneficial for weed control, crop rotation, soil structure, and biodiversity, and it sequesters carbon dioxide. It requires no use of pesticides, making it well-suited for organic farming. It offers good economic returns, serves as an excellent rotational crop, and is self-regenerating.

Hemp is a crop grown throughout Europe. In recent years, the area dedicated to hemp cultivation has increased significantly in the EU, from 19,970 hectares in 2015 to 34,960 hectares in 2019 (an increase of 75%). During the same period, hemp production increased from 94,120 tonnes to 152,820 tonnes (an increase of 62.4%).

Hemp is used to make various commercial and industrial products and can return nutrients to the soil and bind carbon more efficiently than most other agricultural crops.

Breaks the disease cycle

Hemp helps to break the disease cycle when used in crop rotation. In addition, the hemp plants are fast-growing and shading, which means that weeds cannot grow.

Less pesticides

Hemp has a low susceptibility to pests because it lacks natural enemies, which means that in most cases there is no need to use insecticides, weeds and fungicides.

Biodiversity

The flowering time usually occurs between July and September. They also offer shelter for birds and the hemp seeds provide food for animals.

Minimal waste

Almost the entire hemp plant can be used

Hemp improves the soil

Hemp is a useful crop for sustainable agriculture by improving soil structure, adding nutrients, and contributing to carbon sequestration.

Structure of the soil

The hemp roots (taproot) penetrate deep into the ground and help improve its structure. This increases soil porosity and water retention, which is beneficial for other crops.

Supply of nutrients

Hemp plants absorb nutrients from the soil, including nitrogen and phosphorus. When hemp is harvested and used as fertilizer or returned to the soil as organic matter, these nutrients are returned to the soil.

Weed control

Hemp plants grow quickly and cover densely, which reduces the growth of andweeds. This can reduce the use of herbicides and help maintain health.

Carbon Bonding

Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during its growth. When hemp is used in various products or if it is recycled as organic matter, it helps to sequester carbon in the soil and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.