GO HEMPNOVA: Re-industrialization of hemp cultivation (hempnova)
- Type Grupo operativo
- Status In progress
- Execution 2024 -2027
- Scope Supraautonómico
- Autonomous community Cataluña; Extremadura
- Main source of financing PEPAC 2023-2027
- Project website GO HEMPNOVA
The Hempnova project aims to industrialise the process and boost hemp cultivation in Spain so that the entire industry can recover.
- Establish the first industrial infrastructure for the production of hemp fiber in Spain, creating a sustainable and self-sufficient supply chain that covers national demand without the need for imports.
- Promote local hemp cultivation, promote sustainable practices, generate employment, and develop new ecological products.
- Promote research and development of new technologies to optimize the production of this fiber.
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 the lack of processing and transformation facilities, which in turn discourages large-scale cultivation and keeps it as a minor crop.
Considering this problem and the emerging trend of industries transitioning towards sustainability and the use of natural fibres as renewable resources, the Hempnova project sees the reindustrialisation 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 grain, seed and fibre production. Primary processing of hemp stalks through dedecortication, which separates fibres and tow, is crucial for a stable supply chain in manufacturing.
Europe, according to the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), has not fully utilized the potential of hemp due to supply shortages and limited processing facilities, with only 12 de-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. In addition, the industry faces challenges due to a lack of reliable information, market studies and accurate price data on hemp products.
The overall objective of the project is to develop the first model for industrial production of hemp fibre in Spain, to generate a value chain around the sector, ensuring self-sufficiency to cover demand at a national level and to develop new products as an alternative source of natural and sustainable raw material.
- Coordinator name: NATIONAL AGRO-FOOD TECHNOLOGY CENTER RESEARCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION EXTREMADURA (CTAEX)
- Postal address: CTRA. VILLAFRANCO A BALBOA, KM. 1,2, 06195 BADAJOZ
- Coordinator email: proyectos@ctaex.com
- Telephone: 924448077
- Asociación Empresarial de Investigación Centro Tecnológico Nacional Agroalimentario Extremadura (CTAEX)
- EURO HEMP INDUSTRIES S.L.
- CALDEREINOX S.L.
- AGROPHARM PROJECTS S.L.
- Asociación Empresarial de Investigación Centro Tecnológico Nacional Agroalimentario Extremadura (CTAEX)
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