Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood crops. In Ireland, hemp is re-emerging not only as a versatile farm crop but also as a key ally in reducing carbon emissions to meet EU 2030 climate targets. This guide explains what hemp is, its many benefits, and why it’s so important for farmers and the planet.
Introduction: What is Hemp?
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a fast-growing, low-THC variety of cannabis cultivated for fibre, seeds, and biomass. Unlike its psychoactive cousin, industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% THC and is legally grown under licence in Ireland and across the EU. It is a hardy, low-input crop that thrives in temperate climates and enriches soils while providing valuable raw materials.
A Brief History of Hemp
Hemp has been used for millennia — ancient ropes, sails, textiles, and even early paper were made from hemp fibre. In Ireland, hemp was historically cultivated for rope and linen, and was once a staple in maritime industries. In recent decades, hemp declined due to regulation and synthetic alternatives, but today it is making a strong comeback as part of the bioeconomy.
The Many Uses of Hemp
- Fibre: for textiles, ropes, bioplastics, and hempcrete.
- Seeds: nutritious food rich in omega-3, protein, and vitamins.
- Oils: used in food, skincare, and health supplements.
- Biomass: for energy, animal bedding, and soil amendments.
Environmental Benefits
Hemp’s environmental impact is where it shines:
- Carbon sequestration: up to 15 tonnes of CO₂ absorbed per hectare in 3–4 months.
- Low inputs: requires little fertiliser, pesticides, or irrigation compared to conventional crops.
- Soil improvement: deep roots improve soil structure and reduce erosion.
- Biodiversity: provides habitat for pollinators and improves crop rotations.
Hemp and Ireland’s Climate Targets
Ireland, under EU law, must cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. Agriculture makes up over 35% of Ireland’s emissions, so solutions are needed. Hemp is a powerful tool:
- Absorbing large amounts of CO₂ per hectare.
- Replacing carbon-heavy materials (plastics, concrete, insulation).
- Helping farmers diversify income while reducing reliance on livestock alone.
Looking Ahead
Hemp is not a silver bullet, but it is a practical, scalable, and farmer-friendly solution. By expanding cultivation, investing in processing facilities, and connecting growers through platforms like our Farmer Hub, hemp can become central to Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy.
References
- FAO — Hemp: A Multipurpose Plant, 2023.
- Teagasc — Hemp Production in Ireland, 2024.
- European Commission — EU Climate Targets and Agriculture, 2025.
- Irish Green Building Council — Bio-based Materials in Construction, 2025.
- Munster Hemp — Farmer Hub Overview, 2025.
Author: Munster Hemp · Editor: Farmer Hub Team · Category: Educational