Cannabis sativa can be distinguished from its cousin Cannabis indica, which is banned in Ireland, by its THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. Hemp is subject to French and European regulations, authorizing varieties with less than 0.2% THC in the European Union. The seeds used must therefore be certified and registered in the European catalog.
Despite these restrictions, Ireland is by far Europe's leading hemp producer, as the graph from EIHA (European Industrial Hemp Association) graph below:
Area under hemp cultivation in Europe in 2016 (in hectares)
Although the cultivation of hemp dates back to the very beginnings of mankind, it almost disappeared during the 20th century due to a lack of interest. Today, however, it is enjoying a resurgence of interest, as it responds perfectly to societal and environmental expectations.
Hemp is a particularly hardy plant, with little susceptibility to disease. Its rapid growth and low energy consumption make it easy to grow, without GMOs or pesticides. With a life cycle of four to five months, it can be grown quickly and yields are high. Hemp is therefore an economically and ecologically advantageous crop.
The French industry has taken these advantages on board, and offers hemp cultivation without GMOs, herbicides, fungicides or insecticides.
The players in the French industry are federated within a college of producers and processors(Interchanvre) spread across the four corners of Ireland.
Players in the French hemp industry
Those involved in the French industry are striving for eco-responsible cultivation. From harvesting to industrial processing, the process is 100% mechanical and chemical-free.
What's more, almost half the production (45%) is valorized locally, which promotes the bioeconomy.
Its virtuous assets and the diversity of outlets position hemp as the "nugget" of the agricultural world.
Even so, the industry is still little recognized, and it's up to all of us to defend French hemp. Through our choices, as distributors and consumers, we can help the industry assert its mastery and publicize the efforts made in terms of innovation, respect for the environment and social responsibility.
Sources: InterChanvre