INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS A NEW CROP
Basic information
Project Title
INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS A NEW CROP
Full project title
INDUSTRIAL HEMP AS A NEW CROP, IMPROVED PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
We are constantly searching for new materials, processes and technologies to achieve sustainable development. The agro-industrial system is at the very heart of any civilisation and we must take responsibility for its proper management and progress.
After 4 years of research, carrying out trials of varieties of industrial hemp that are best suited to the region and improving processing techniques for direct sale. I can introduce you to my brand:Extre Hemp(hemp oil and fibre supply for Hempcrete
After 4 years of research, carrying out trials of varieties of industrial hemp that are best suited to the region and improving processing techniques for direct sale. I can introduce you to my brand:Extre Hemp(hemp oil and fibre supply for Hempcrete
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Spain
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The main aim is to introduce a new crop to the region, which is beneficial both for the ecosystem (hemp has the capacity for phytoremediation of soils and low water requirements) and for farmers (new niche market). It is expected to have at least 1000 hectares under cultivation within 5 years.
At the same time I intend to set up a Cooperative for the processing of the raw material, with a sustainable transformation that encompasses the best processing techniques together with the creation of employment for the production of hemp oil.
We must also bear in mind that industrial hemp provides us with an input that most crops do not have: all the material produced is used, making a circular economy possible. I am in collaboration with a company called BioHome that is carrying out an R+D+i project through which we are going to be able to manufacture prefabricated concrete with hemp fibre or also known as Hempcrete.
In October this month I received the Extre Hemp brand ownership certificate, so after four years of research, in the next six months I will be able to put on sale the first hemp oil grown and produced in Extremadura.
Industrial hemp is made up of at least 113 cannabinoids with pharmacological properties such as: CBD that has anti-inflammatory and sedative effects as well as an anxiolytic one that reduces anxiety; terpenoids that aids combating short-term memory loss (limonene, terpinene, carvacrol and pulegone increase acetylcholine concentration levels in the brain, a mechanism shared with tacrine which is used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.) Some of them work as serotonin inhibitors as well as enhancers in the GABA neurotransmitter uptake process.
At the same time I intend to set up a Cooperative for the processing of the raw material, with a sustainable transformation that encompasses the best processing techniques together with the creation of employment for the production of hemp oil.
We must also bear in mind that industrial hemp provides us with an input that most crops do not have: all the material produced is used, making a circular economy possible. I am in collaboration with a company called BioHome that is carrying out an R+D+i project through which we are going to be able to manufacture prefabricated concrete with hemp fibre or also known as Hempcrete.
In October this month I received the Extre Hemp brand ownership certificate, so after four years of research, in the next six months I will be able to put on sale the first hemp oil grown and produced in Extremadura.
Industrial hemp is made up of at least 113 cannabinoids with pharmacological properties such as: CBD that has anti-inflammatory and sedative effects as well as an anxiolytic one that reduces anxiety; terpenoids that aids combating short-term memory loss (limonene, terpinene, carvacrol and pulegone increase acetylcholine concentration levels in the brain, a mechanism shared with tacrine which is used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.) Some of them work as serotonin inhibitors as well as enhancers in the GABA neurotransmitter uptake process.
Key objectives for sustainability
Industrial Hemp or Cannabis Sativa is an herbaceous species of the genus Cannabaceae family, so-called low-THC strains. It is a versatile plant, tolerant to diverse climate conditions and substrates. These are short-cycle plants whose multiple derived products have incredibly diverse and functional features. All of which contributes to making industrial hemp a potentially productive crop with qualities such as usefulness of phytoremediation using rotation.
By using monoecious plants we will obtain a production of fibre, grain or biomass (*) whereas dioecious plants will be mainly grown as pharmaceutical crops. Consequently, we will distinguish two cultivation methods for industrial hemp depending on its purpose, although both of them share the following characteristics:
• There are various varieties tolerant to different temperatures and substrates, making them a viable crop both in Northern and Southern Europe
• Their growing periods last between 90 to 145 days, in some cases a second and even third crop is possible in a single year
• A combined-irrigation system is carried out by using: - foggers in very humid areas where watering seeds is only needed for a month until they sprout • Sprinklers for specifically produced grain varieties not exceeding 2 m in height, - drippers for those others with high productivity of fibre or floral buds, and - any other method that prevents excessive dampening of the soil and allows to better control the water flow, since these plants require consistent moisture but little water
• The fertilizer to be applied will always match the characteristics of the substrate. A single initial fertilizer dose before planting will usually suffice by providing the necessary nutrients for its correct germination, vegetative growth and flowering.
(*) Doc.1
By using monoecious plants we will obtain a production of fibre, grain or biomass (*) whereas dioecious plants will be mainly grown as pharmaceutical crops. Consequently, we will distinguish two cultivation methods for industrial hemp depending on its purpose, although both of them share the following characteristics:
• There are various varieties tolerant to different temperatures and substrates, making them a viable crop both in Northern and Southern Europe
• Their growing periods last between 90 to 145 days, in some cases a second and even third crop is possible in a single year
• A combined-irrigation system is carried out by using: - foggers in very humid areas where watering seeds is only needed for a month until they sprout • Sprinklers for specifically produced grain varieties not exceeding 2 m in height, - drippers for those others with high productivity of fibre or floral buds, and - any other method that prevents excessive dampening of the soil and allows to better control the water flow, since these plants require consistent moisture but little water
• The fertilizer to be applied will always match the characteristics of the substrate. A single initial fertilizer dose before planting will usually suffice by providing the necessary nutrients for its correct germination, vegetative growth and flowering.
(*) Doc.1
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
In the rural area we have a sustainable production and a new opportunity for farmers in the region, as well as the generation of new jobs in both cultivation and processing.
On the other hand, we have a product with multiple benefits for physical and mental health (e.g. people with chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia, anxiety, anti-inflammatory properties).
Finally, we contribute in parallel to sustainable development with a circular economy, obtaining a new material for the construction of houses with a negative carbon footprint.
On the other hand, we have a product with multiple benefits for physical and mental health (e.g. people with chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia, anxiety, anti-inflammatory properties).
Finally, we contribute in parallel to sustainable development with a circular economy, obtaining a new material for the construction of houses with a negative carbon footprint.
Key objectives for inclusion
We know that in rural areas we suffer from very high unemployment rates, very bad hiring conditions, unfair material prices and depopulation with the flight of young talent to the cities.
Industrial hemp production is viable for farmers in terms of an IRR of over 20% today.
On the other hand, the recruitment of labour for harvesting is carried out on equal terms between men and women, requiring about 5 people per hectare.
Personally, I have felt very supported and backed by all the farmers in my region and they are very open to try this new crop.
Industrial hemp production is viable for farmers in terms of an IRR of over 20% today.
On the other hand, the recruitment of labour for harvesting is carried out on equal terms between men and women, requiring about 5 people per hectare.
Personally, I have felt very supported and backed by all the farmers in my region and they are very open to try this new crop.
How Citizens benefit
Learning By Doing - It is a project created from nothing, after two years of theoretical research I decided that it was time to "jump into the mud" and never better said, I sowed my first hectare in 2022 with different varieties, two of them gave good results. There was no experience in the field of licensing and I had to do it on my own without the help of the administrations due to lack of information.
Promote digital craftsmanship (DIY) - The sale of artisanal hemp oil will be through direct online sales or E-commerce.
Design for Humans - I belong to a village called Vegaviana of less than 800 inhabitants located in the Sierra de Gata, for me it is a pride and this project comes from the ambition to improve the conditions of people who are part of the rural world, my grandparents were farmers, most of my neighbours are farmers and ranchers and for me it is an imperative need to do what is in my hands to improve their quality of life.
Promote digital craftsmanship (DIY) - The sale of artisanal hemp oil will be through direct online sales or E-commerce.
Design for Humans - I belong to a village called Vegaviana of less than 800 inhabitants located in the Sierra de Gata, for me it is a pride and this project comes from the ambition to improve the conditions of people who are part of the rural world, my grandparents were farmers, most of my neighbours are farmers and ranchers and for me it is an imperative need to do what is in my hands to improve their quality of life.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
We are introducing a new crop to the region and therefore a new raw material with endless options for new products:
- Leaves: Herbal tea and tobacco substitute
- Grains: Agri-food industry (oil, honey...), cosmetic industry
- Raw fibers: Paper, ropes, bioplastics
- Strain: Bioconstruction
- Henriadas fibers: Thread, twine (cordel), fabric
- Flowers: Anti-inflammatory balm, anti-oxidant, moisturizing, and facial creams
What would normally be waste in crops such as sugar cane or plant stalks can offer a variety of industrial options in the case of hemp. Following a circular economy model, a wide range of versatile products such as bioplastics, lightweight concrete, insulating material or textile fibre can be obtained for the sustainable fashion industry. In the industrialisation process, we separate the fibre from the hemp; either by retting, mechanical decortication or with de-stemming machines for further processing.
Today I work in collaboration with the company Biohome, which is committed to offering an alternative to the conventional way of building. They have launched an i+d+i (research + development + innovation) project to obtain Hempcrete, a biocomposite material made from a mixture of hemp hemp hemp, lime and sand. It stands out for its thermo-acoustic insulation properties, its lightness without loss of strength and its limited carbon footprint.
- Leaves: Herbal tea and tobacco substitute
- Grains: Agri-food industry (oil, honey...), cosmetic industry
- Raw fibers: Paper, ropes, bioplastics
- Strain: Bioconstruction
- Henriadas fibers: Thread, twine (cordel), fabric
- Flowers: Anti-inflammatory balm, anti-oxidant, moisturizing, and facial creams
What would normally be waste in crops such as sugar cane or plant stalks can offer a variety of industrial options in the case of hemp. Following a circular economy model, a wide range of versatile products such as bioplastics, lightweight concrete, insulating material or textile fibre can be obtained for the sustainable fashion industry. In the industrialisation process, we separate the fibre from the hemp; either by retting, mechanical decortication or with de-stemming machines for further processing.
Today I work in collaboration with the company Biohome, which is committed to offering an alternative to the conventional way of building. They have launched an i+d+i (research + development + innovation) project to obtain Hempcrete, a biocomposite material made from a mixture of hemp hemp hemp, lime and sand. It stands out for its thermo-acoustic insulation properties, its lightness without loss of strength and its limited carbon footprint.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
In this project we fuse traditional farming techniques with the latest technology.
We optimise fertilisation and irrigation through soil analysis, infrared scanning with drones and water misting.
We combine manual harvesting with the production of hemp oil through hydraulic presses.
We promote research and development of new materials such as Hempcrete.
We optimise fertilisation and irrigation through soil analysis, infrared scanning with drones and water misting.
We combine manual harvesting with the production of hemp oil through hydraulic presses.
We promote research and development of new materials such as Hempcrete.
Methodology used
Previous research and implementation through trial and error with a clear objective: to improve the quality of life of people living in rural areas through sustainable development and promoting the circular economy.
How stakeholders are engaged
I have felt very supported by all the farmers in my area.
Before starting the project I had many conversations with the expert farmers, who are my lifelong neighbours, who have been working in the fields for as long as they can remember.
They have helped me without any profit motive by giving me advice on irrigation, fertiliser, harvesting... absolutely everything.
Every day I received visits to the plantation to ask me how I was doing and if I needed anything.
The administrations, although they had no experience in bureaucratic procedures, tried to guide me as much as they could.
The entrepreneurs in the area have contacted me for future collaborations, they have encouraged me to continue with the project.
In short, I am grateful to my people and proud to be surrounded by such good and intelligent people.
Before starting the project I had many conversations with the expert farmers, who are my lifelong neighbours, who have been working in the fields for as long as they can remember.
They have helped me without any profit motive by giving me advice on irrigation, fertiliser, harvesting... absolutely everything.
Every day I received visits to the plantation to ask me how I was doing and if I needed anything.
The administrations, although they had no experience in bureaucratic procedures, tried to guide me as much as they could.
The entrepreneurs in the area have contacted me for future collaborations, they have encouraged me to continue with the project.
In short, I am grateful to my people and proud to be surrounded by such good and intelligent people.
Global challenges
- Soil contamination; Phytoremediation
- Water scarcity; New crop requiring scarce water resources - Depopulation of the countryside
- depopulation of rural areas - creation of new jobs
- Little benefit to primary sector producers; New crop with an IRR of more than 20%
- New housing in increasingly polluted cities; Creation of new material with a negative carbon footprint - Creation of new material with a negative carbon footprint
- Health and nutrition; Hemp oil, new product with multiple benefits for both
- Water scarcity; New crop requiring scarce water resources - Depopulation of the countryside
- depopulation of rural areas - creation of new jobs
- Little benefit to primary sector producers; New crop with an IRR of more than 20%
- New housing in increasingly polluted cities; Creation of new material with a negative carbon footprint - Creation of new material with a negative carbon footprint
- Health and nutrition; Hemp oil, new product with multiple benefits for both
Learning transferred to other parties
The entire project is transferable:
From cultivation, through production and finally sale.
Extre Hemp will offer consultancy services to all those who need them.
Of course, the quality of the Extremadura product is unique in the world due to the favourable environment of the ecosystem.
From cultivation, through production and finally sale.
Extre Hemp will offer consultancy services to all those who need them.
Of course, the quality of the Extremadura product is unique in the world due to the favourable environment of the ecosystem.
Keywords
INDUSTRIAL HEMP - NEW CROP IN THE REGION
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF SOILS AND WATER RESOURCES - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
HEMP OIL - HEALTH AND NUTRITION
HEMPCRETE - CIRCULAR ECONOMY
i+D+I
