Where does hemp fit?
Though the problems we face are vast, complicated and difficult to untangle. Local scale farming practices and innovation offer us exciting possibilities to address these challenges. At Hempen, we’re excited about hemp for its manifold possibilities; from social to economic to ecological. Recognised worldwide for thousands of years for its versatility in providing societal and, economic benefits to people and community. Growing hemp offers a promising stepping stone on the path out of the entrenched extractive practices of modern industry. Towards regenerative ones. This one plant can provide us with much-needed resources, whilst also giving back to the land.
Hemp is easy to grow organically because the dense canopy it forms eradicates weeds and is naturally resistant to insect pests. Its strong root networks can restore soil health by preventing erosion and promoting bioremediation. We have used hemp in our crop rotation, replenishing land which is used by us or other tenant farmers. Bees love hemp flowers for their pollen which they use in nest building and feeding their young. Small birds and mammals such as ground larks and deer, enjoy the shelter the plants provide.
Growing fields of hemp is also effective at sequestering carbon out of the atmosphere, for every ton of hemp grown, it is estimated that 1.63 tons of carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere – an indispensable tool in combating the climate crisis.
Local Systems
Small scale farms, mean less movement of food. Which means more local food networks. More farmer to fork produce, fresher produce, less environmental impact. More connection to where and how your food came to your plate. Hemp can be grown in many places, with its many uses, holds great value to local farming practices. Hemp provides a great source of local nutrition, both protein and Omegas! And could even create housing from locally grown hemp. Farmers and the people would have more control over this type of system.
From the perspective of rural livelihoods, hemp is also powerful. It is said to have more than 25,000 uses, including as building materials, plastics, energy, and for health and nutrition. We are harnessing the plant to promote economic and social opportunity in our community. The small-scale production and processing methods that we use for our products provide reliable communal work in our community and form part of a varied and meaningful week. Hemp is key to regenerative small scale agriculture and should be freely accessible to farmers.