In 2019, 77 licences were issued to grow hemp in Ireland. That figure was at just eight just four years previous. According to Chris Allen – executive director of Hemp Federation Ireland – that figure is set to soar this year.

On Thursday, March 12, anyone interested in growing the crop has the opportunity to attend the Hemp Federation Ireland Conference which is being run in conjunction with the National Organic Training Skillnet.

Changes to regulations mean that a licence to grow the crop can be applied for at any time during the year.

The conference which is entitled simply “Growing hemp in Ireland” has a jam-packed schedule of speakers. Some of whom are outlined below.

Among the speakers is Marcus McCabe. Marcus has been growing hemp in Ireland for 25 years and also processes 85% of all hemp grown in Ireland. He has been involved in the retrofitting and building of hemp houses.

Marcus will give an agricultural masterclass on growing the novel crop and offer some agronomic advice.

The variety according to Chris has “transformed the hemp industry across the world”. It is much shorter than other varieties and this makes it easier to manage on farm if the grower does not have specific machinery for managing the crop.

Professor Peter Thorne who is the lead author on the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports published in 2018 and 2019 will deliver the keynote address.

The crop which is a member of the cannabis family of plants offers valuable help to the environment through the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and the development of biodiversity.

An organic co-operative from Greece will describe Government policies in their country and how they went about developing a market for their products. Ed Hanbidge will also speak about his experiences in Hemp Co-Operative Ireland.

Stefan Nolker will tell the important story of the hemp industry in Germany over the past 20 years and how it developed from the beginning when there was no supply chain. The Irish industry may be able to relate to this story.

Chris Allen – the executive director of Hemp Federation Ireland – will finish off the conference with a focus on the regulation of Ireland’s industry in the context of EU and global barriers.

A host of other speakers will feature on the day. Registration information and a timetable for the day can be found [button link="https://nots.ie/courses/hemp-federation-ireland-conference-2020/"]here[/button]

The conference takes place in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Thursday, March 12, and begins at 9:30am.