THE COMMERCIAL production and processing of hemp has taken a step forward following a successful pilot project in the Eastern Cape. The Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Percci) reports that the Eastern Cape has been at the forefront of agricultural research with a pilot project involving agronomic trials to cultivate hemp for industrial and commercial purposes. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Port Elizabeth is investigating the benefits and exploitation of hemp for textile application. The project was started in 1999 with pilot sites situated in the Eastern Cape, which was chosen for the lengthy summer days required for hemp production. An early success has been a change in legislation. Hemp was previously recognised as a weed, but now has been classified as a ‘cash crop’. The next step is to legalise the cultivation of hemp in South Africa. “The legislation does not distinguish between hemp and dagga (cannabis), but we are positive that our research will change this mind set in the future,” says project manager Sunshine Blouw. The CSIR proposes a national framework to monitor and control the cultivation of hemp in South Africa. “Every aspect of the hemp industry will be undertaken with a permit. The centralized body will function with the National Hemp Development Trust to co-ordinate all facets and people in the industry. The governing body will have to answer to the relevant departments in government,” says Blouw. In the past there has been a stigma attached to the cultivation of hemp. People often associate the cultivation of hemp simultaneously with growing dagga (cannabis). But Blouw explains that the process and product are totally different. “Although hemp and dagga are from the same species, namely cannabis, hemp’s narcotic compound contains such a low delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that it cannot be used as a drug. Hemp is mainly cultivated for fibre and oil whereas dagga has such a low fibre percentage that it cannot be used for fibre production. The benefits of hemp production are already being shown, he says. “Already our pilot projects have transferred skills in rural communities”. The cultivation of hemp has far reaching benefits and uses. Hemp can be used to make essentials oils that are more enriched in amino acids that olive oil. In Germany hemp is used in the production of structural components in the automotive industry. The building industry uses hemp in their isolation boards. Hemp flour, which is rich in protein, can be used to make bread. It is also used to produce cosmetics, technology textile, and tourist souvenirs. One of the most important benefits of cultivating this product is the employment opportunities that will be created by this industry. “Job prospects, which have been concentrated in the urban areas will spread to the rural areas, where hemp will be grown. It will establish an industry in areas, which have been previously neglected,” he says. Following on a global trend, the cultivation of hemp is extremely environmentally friendly producing products that are biodegradable. Hemp is currently cultivated in many countries such as Poland, Ukraine, Canada, China, Russia, and the US. The project is receiving seeds from France and a few Eastern European countries. The project is investigating new concepts to integrate the cultivation of hemp within the same infrastructures used in the production of wool and cotton. “New infrastructure will be very expensive to implement. We are also planning on involving farmers from the beginning stage of cultivation to the end stages of production so that the can share in a larger return of investment,” says Blouw.