(image: Hemporium) From this…
Hemporium’s first licensed hemp field in South Africa!
It’s true - Hemporium have planted the first licensed hemp field has been planted in South Africa, and it’s flourishing! After a long and winding road, the hard work, paperwork and perseverance has paid off and Hemporium‘s farming partner is now tending a field of vigorous little hemp plants. With each passing day, and each nourishing spray of liquid earthworm tea fertiliser, the future prospects of a vibrant South African hemp industry grows brighter!
(image: Hemporium) To this…
Great potential in South African hemp industry
In that field lies the hopes and future of a growing South African hemp industry that will hopefully develop to its full potential and provide jobs, nutrition and raw materials. And what potential it is: in a country with high unemployment and where a significant amount of arable land is depleted after centuries of monoculture, agrichemical contamination, soil erosion and loss of fertile topsoil, hemp offers the kind of promise that could uplift and develop the local farming sector without the need for aggressive farming techniques or excessive amounts of fertiliser.
(image: Hemporium) To this…(with a litle help from nutrient-rich organic earthworm tea)
Hemp: from zero to hero in 100 days
Because hemp is able to prosper in relatively poor soils without much need for intensive farming practices, and is resistant to numerous pests, it’s an easy-to-grow crop which does not require expertise beyond common farming practices. Planted close together to encourage the stalks to elongate, the plants produce the long, durable fibres for which hemp is renowned the world over. In only 100 days, the crop can grow up to 4m in height and is ready for harvest. Once harvested, the bast fibres are removed from the tough outer sheath, whilst the inner core of the stem produces cellulose that is ideal for making top-quality paper (as it has been used for, for over 5 000 years across the world).
(image: Norml) To this!
The promise of hope in a 2ha field
Happy at last to see progress on this front, Hemporium CEO Tony Budden had this to say on the developments:
“After years of lobbying we have finally got permission to plant 2ha of low THC industrial hemp and part of a 3 year national commercial incubation trial. We still have some work to do before a full commercial industry, but it is incredibly rewarding to put seeds in the ground and seeing them growing already. We know that this momentum will grow and soon hemp will be providing the jobs, houses and nutrition so many South Africans desperately need. We are honoured to be part of this process and look forward to seeing the fully grown plants in all their glory.”
Well, there it is - incontrovertible proof that great strides are happening on the frontlines of the hemp revolution! Well done to the Hemporium team! We at Springleap wish them well in this great endeavour.
More hemp reading & info on our Hemporium design contest
To get more of an idea of how much potential the hemp plants holds, take a look at our previous post, and if that inspires you, consider entering our Hemporium contest to take your share of the $2000 bounty!
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Hi. I have a green construction business idea research im doing for school and was wondering if starting a construction business using hemp in south Africa is legal and feasible
Hi, my name is Sechaba, I’m 24 years old and I reside in the Eastern Cape in East London, my home town is Pretoria and I’m a qualified Medic working for a private company called “Hi care” ambulances. The first time I read about hemp 3 years back and its many magical uses I was utterly blown away, I was a student then and I vowed to delve in the industry as soon as I get a job. I would like to take this moment to congratulate Hemporium on securing a permit and receiving permission from the government after such a long legal battle. I’m extremely excited at the possibility this presents and would like to create such a business in the rural arrears of my origin, to create employment for my fellow brothers and sisters who were less fortunate than I was in life and have no choice but to rely on government social grants. To cut a long story short, I would like to come to your farm, receive golden wisdom from the real experts such as yourselves. Even if its for a day or two.
kind regards.
To whom it may concern
It is wonderfull to see the advancement in hemp in this country. I would like to know how long you have been growing for now and if there is movement in the farming larger parts of land in hemp now?
Hope to hear from you soon
Regards
Ivar
Hi I have a number of farming friends that would love to join in the cultivation of hemp in sa ,ould you forward me all relevant info ??
[…] The South African legal situation and business model regarding growing hemp appears to be in need of clarification. See here, here (.pdf) and here is the first licensed hemp field. […]