Hemp, also known as industrial hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial uses. Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile crops in the world, with a history of human use dating back thousands of years. Hemp has been used for fiber, food, fuel, medicine, and other purposes, and has been praised for its sustainability, durability, and health benefits.
While hemp has been legal to grow in Ukraine for several years, the lack of infrastructure and knowledge has hindered its development and profitability. Many farmers have been hesitant to switch from traditional crops, such as wheat and corn, to hemp, due to the uncertainties and risks involved, such as low yields, pests, and market demand.
However, a new initiative in Ukraine aims to change that by creating a hemp industrial park that would provide a comprehensive and integrated platform for hemp production, processing, and marketing. The hemp industrial park would be located in the Kherson region, which is known for its fertile soil, favorable climate, and strategic location near the Black Sea and the European Union.
Objectives
The main objectives of the hemp industrial park in Ukraine are to:
- Create a production cluster that would promote cooperation and synergy among different stakeholders, such as farmers, processors, researchers, and investors, and enhance the efficiency and quality of the hemp value chain.
- Develop a sustainable and diversified hemp industry that would generate economic, social, and environmental benefits for the local and national communities, and contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change and promote green growth.
- Foster innovation and knowledge transfer in the hemp sector, by facilitating research and development, education and training, and technology transfer, and by connecting the hemp industry with other sectors, such as biotechnology, energy, and construction.
- Promote the image and reputation of Ukraine as a leader and pioneer in the hemp industry, and attract domestic and foreign investment, tourism, and trade.
Partners
The hemp industrial park in Ukraine is a joint initiative of several partners, including:
- The Ukrainian Hemp Association, which is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the Ukrainian hemp industry and promotes the development of a legal and sustainable hemp market in Ukraine.
- The Kherson Regional State Administration, which is the local government agency that oversees the economic and social development of the Kherson region, and supports the implementation of strategic projects that enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the region.
- The European Industrial Hemp Association, which is a non-profit organization that promotes the development of a legal and sustainable hemp market in Europe, and provides information and support to its members, including farmers, processors, traders, and researchers.
- The Hemp Industries Association, which is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the North American hemp industry, and promotes the development of a legal and sustainable hemp market in the United States and Canada.
Activities
The hemp industrial park in Ukraine would offer a wide range of activities and services, including:
- Hemp cultivation: The hemp industrial park would provide farmers with technical assistance, training, and financing to grow hemp on their land, using best practices and certified seeds. The hemp would be grown under strict quality and safety standards, and would be tested for THC content, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for the “high” effect.
- Hemp processing: The hemp industrial park would have state-of-the-art facilities for processing hemp into various products, such as fiber, oil, protein, and biomass. The processing would be done using eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies, and would comply with the EU and international standards for quality and safety. The hemp products would be marketed domestically and internationally, to various industries, such as textiles, food, cosmetics, and biofuels.
- Hemp research and development: The hemp industrial park would collaborate with universities, research institutions, and private companies to conduct research and development on hemp genetics, breeding, cultivation, processing, and applications. The research would aim to improve the efficiency, yield, quality, and diversity of hemp, and to explore new and innovative uses of hemp, such as medicine, construction, and carbon sequestration.
- Hemp education and training: The hemp industrial park would organize workshops, seminars, and courses on various aspects of hemp cultivation, processing, and marketing, to educate and train farmers, processors, researchers, and other stakeholders. The education and training would be tailored to the needs and interests of the participants, and would be delivered by experienced and qualified trainers.
- Hemp tourism and culture: The hemp industrial park would promote hemp tourism and culture, by showcasing the history, traditions, and values of hemp in Ukraine and the world, and by offering visitors a unique and authentic experience of hemp cultivation, processing, and utilization. The hemp tourism and culture would include guided tours, exhibitions, festivals, and other events, that would celebrate the beauty and diversity of hemp, and its importance for human health and well-being.
