cultivate

There are several projects underway in South Africa to research the viability of industrial hemp in South Africa.

The Agricultural Research Council has been running trials for several years in order to identify strains that will grow well in the South African climate, mostly using cultivars from Europe. The Department of Agriculture has recognised hemp as an agricultural crop, but legally there is still no distinction between dagga and industrial hemp.

The Department of Health still controls the process of issuing research permits, which involves applying for a permit to possess a narcotic drug. Thus far there are no commercial hemp farms in South Africa.

There are close to 40 countries in the world that have legitimised industrial hemp, including some that have never stopped growing it. These include Canada, The United Kingdom, France, China, Germany and Hungary.

In both the Western and Eastern Cape especially, there are efforts being made to get legislation amended in order to create a hemp industry. Sectors that have been identified as focal points for South Africa are:

• Agri-fibres for car parts (dashboards, door panels etc.)
• Eco-friendly paper
• Natural cement, bricks and insulation for housing
• Animal bedding
• Nutrition from the essential fatty-acid rich seeds

Job creation will be a natural spin-off from the introduction of this new industry. In essence, hemp could help alleviate three of South Africa’s most pressing issues:

• Housing
• Malnourishment
• Job creation

The National Agri-fibre Initiative (NAFI) has been launched by Diverse International Trade (Pty) Ltd to boost the agri-fibre industry in South Africa and is making much headway with regard to creating awareness and lobbying support for this fledgling industry.