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HEMPNOVA Operational Group: Re-industrialization of hemp cultivation

  • Type Operational group
  • Status In progress
  • Execution 2024 -2027
  • Assigned Budget 526.962,00 €
  • Scope Supraautonómico
  • Autonomous community Cataluña; Extremadura
  • Main source of financing PEPAC 2023-2027
  • Project website GO HEMPNOVA
Abstract
The Hempnova project aims to establish the first industrial production model for hemp fibre in Spain, developing a sustainable supply chain to meet national demand and innovate new eco-friendly products. Key outcomes include the design and validation of processing prototypes, the production of high-quality fibres and hemp seeds from hemp stalks, and an analysis of the feasibility and market potential of the new industrial process. The project aims to overcome the lack of hemp processing facilities in Spain, which limits large-scale cultivation and economic diversification. For practitioners, putting this knowledge into practice brings significant benefits: stable supply of raw material, increased profitability by using the entire hemp plant, and fostering a sustainable agriculture model. Farmers can diversify crops, improve productivity, and take advantage of a growing market for natural fibres, while reducing dependence on imports and mitigating price fluctuations. This project represents a valuable opportunity to boost the agricultural economy, improve self-sufficiency, and align with global sustainability trends.
Description

The Hempnova project plans to industrialize the process and boost hemp cultivation in Spain so that the entire industry can recover.

Description of activities

Establish the first industrial infrastructure for hemp fiber production in Spain, creating a sustainable and self-sufficient supply chain that meets domestic demand without the need for imports. Promote local hemp cultivation, promote sustainable practices, generate employment, and develop new eco-friendly products. Encourage research and development of new technologies to optimize the production of this fiber.

Contextual description

Industrial hemp is known for its great potential to produce a wide range of products due to its versatility. However, its growth is limited by a lack of processing and transformation facilities, which in turn discourages large-scale cultivation and keeps it a minor crop. Considering this problem and the emerging trend of industries transitioning toward sustainability and the use of natural fibers as renewable resources, the Hempnova project views the reindustrialization of hemp cultivation as an important opportunity to promote the diversification of the agricultural economy.

Unlike other EU countries, Spain has a conservative approach to industrial hemp cultivation, allowing only the production of grain, seeds, and fiber. The primary processing of hemp stalks through decortication, which separates the fibers and tows, is crucial for a stable manufacturing supply chain.

According to the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), Europe has not fully utilized the potential of hemp due to supply shortages and limited processing facilities, with only 12 decortication sites. Although global demand for hemp is increasing, Spain lacks primary processing facilities, creating a supply gap and a dependence on imports, which are subject to price fluctuations. Furthermore, the industry faces challenges due to a lack of reliable information, market research, and accurate pricing data on hemp products.

Objectives

The overall objective of the project is to develop the first industrial hemp fiber production model in Spain, generating a value chain around the sector, ensuring self-sufficiency to meet national demand, and developing new products as an alternative source of natural and sustainable raw materials.

Contact information
  • Coordinator/entity name: BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH, NATIONAL AGRO-FOOD TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOR EXTREMADURA (CTAEX)
  • Postal address: CTRA. VILLAFRANCO A BALBOA, KM. 1,2, 06195 BADAJOZ
  • Coordinator/entity email: proyectos@ctaex.com
  • Telephone: 924448077
Coordinators
  • ASOCIACION EMPRESARIAL DE INVESTIGACION CENTRO TECNOLOGICO NACIONAL AGROALIMENTARIO EXTREMADURA (CTAEX)
Beneficiaries
  • ASOCIACION EMPRESARIAL DE INVESTIGACION CENTRO TECNOLOGICO NACIONAL AGROALIMENTARIO EXTREMADURA (CTAEX)
Outsourced
  • EURO HEMP INDUSTRIES S.L.
  • CALDEREINOX S.L.
  • AGROPHARM PROJECTS S.L.