Sustainability

One hectare of hemp captures 9 to 15 tons of carbon dioxide — about the same as a young forest. But while a forest takes 15–20 years to grow, hemp does it in just five months.

Moreover, hemp's carbon storage benefits extend beyond cultivation. Products like hempcrete—a building material made from hemp and lime—continue to store carbon throughout their lifecycle, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.

In essence, hemp serves as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, offering a renewable resource that not only absorbs significant amounts of CO₂ but also contributes to sustainable industries and practices.

Source: EU Comission

Hemp offers significant benefits when included in crop rotation systems, particularly in disease suppression and weed control.​

Disease Suppression

Hemp's natural resistance to many pests and diseases makes it an effective break crop. Introducing hemp into a rotation can disrupt the life cycles of soil-borne pathogens, thereby reducing their prevalence and minimizing the need for chemical treatments.

Weed Control

Hemp's rapid growth and dense canopy effectively suppress weed emergence. Once established, hemp shades out competing weeds, reducing their growth and seed production . This natural weed suppression can decrease reliance on herbicides and lower the weed seed bank in the soil, benefiting subsequent crops.

Incorporating hemp into crop rotations not only enhances soil health but also contributes to more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

Sources: EU Commission & New Phase Blends & Frontiers & Rodale Institute

The dense growth of hemp forms a natural ground cover, reducing water evaporation and protecting the soil from erosion. A hemp crop can cover the ground surface within three weeks of germination.

Industrial hemp is notably water-efficient and typically does not require blue water—meaning irrigation from surface or groundwater sources—especially when grown in regions with sufficient rainfall. Studies have shown that hemp can thrive without irrigation, and additional watering does not necessarily increase biomass or yield. ​

Source: EU Commission & University of Twente

Hemp typically flowers from July to September, when there is less pollen from other crops. It produces a lot of pollen and provides shelter for birds. Hemp seeds are a food source for many animals.

Little to no need for pesticides: Hemp has few natural pests, which means that pesticide use—including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides—can often be avoided in its cultivation.

Source: European Commission