GROWING
HEMP
in hemp
cultivation
Hemp Cultivation
Industrial hemp, grown in many regions, adapts to various soil types and climates. Sown in April-May, it requires no phytosanitary treatment and can be harvested at two different periods, according to the contract established with the hemp processor. Harvesting can be done in non-threshed mode from mid-August to obtain technical fiber requiring retting, or in threshed mode during September, allowing both seed and fiber harvest for applications requiring less retting.
Retting is a crucial step for the quality of defibering, fibers, and consequently, the final product. For a period of up to eight weeks, hemp is left on the ground to allow microorganisms to develop under alternating rain and sun effects. These microorganisms decompose the pectins that bind hemp fibers together.
grow hemp?
To discover hemp cultivation techniques and specifics, download the complete Growing Guide.
Guide
cultivation model
100% French Sector
The hemp sector perfectly meets the three sustainability criteria: ecology, social, and economy. This cultivation, free from phytosanitary products, helps reduce farms' Treatment Frequency Index (TFI). Producers commit to contracting with hemp processors and supply an innovative industry in their territory. Processors, in turn, commit to limiting distances between producers and factories, thus promoting local employment development.
cultivation methods
Hemp plants, thanks to their genetic diversity, adapt well to environmental changes and show good resistance to pests and pathogens. No phytosanitary products are needed between planting and harvest. Their rapid growth smothers weeds. Thanks to a deep root system, they resist drought, making irrigation unnecessary.
Hemp requires no intervention between sowing and harvest, which helps limit workload during intense field crop work periods. Its nitrogen needs are moderate, averaging 100 units per hectare.
Hemp adapts to all soil types and can enhance low-potential lands. It leaves soil clean and structured, and is an excellent precursor for cereals, improving their yields. Its dense cover promotes biodiversity, particularly beneficial insects such as ground beetles, spiders, and ladybugs, essential for pest control.
utilized harvest
In hemp, everything is utilized without generating waste. Once processed, seeds, stems, fibers, and even fine dust find multiple virtuous uses. Discover the different transformation processes and numerous qualities of materials from this exceptional plant.
processing
crop diversification
Jérôme Gallois (48) has been established since 2001 on the 200-hectare family farm growing field crops in Echemines (Aube) in chalky Champagne, which he manages using soil conservation agriculture. He has expanded the hemp cultivation started by his father from 10 ha to 25 ha today, with a commitment to deliver 200 tons of straw to La Chanvrière. A board member of the latter since 2004, including 6 years as a bureau member, he has also served on InterChanvre's Board of Directors since 2018, particularly to promote hemp's various markets and represent his production area.
and your farm?
From an agronomic perspective, it's a crop that structures the soil well and makes a good precursor. The advantage is being able to direct-sow the following wheat without working the soil. Growing rapidly under good conditions in terms of seedbed preparation and weather, hemp smothers weeds and requires no weeding, which is both an economic and environmental advantage.
With yields of 7-8 t/ha of yellow straw plus hemp seeds, the margins are interesting compared to other crops, even with currently rising production costs. Finally, from a societal perspective, hemp is very interesting as it can produce paper, textiles, and many other bio-based products (biocomposites, insulation, hemp concrete...).
and for which markets?
I produce yellow straw for specialty papers, semi-retted and retted straw for technical applications (biocomposites for plastics, for example) and the textile market. Yellow or semi-retted straw also allows harvesting hemp seeds for bird food and human consumption.
A contract with a total straw volume to deliver is signed with the cooperative for five years, but each year, we can choose the quantities to deliver as yellow, semi-retted, or retted straw.
production for paper making?
To produce yellow straw while harvesting the seed (mid-September), earlier varieties must be planted than for retted straw, which requires mowing (early August) before seed formation. To harvest the seed, I use a combine harvester, cutting as high as possible. Immediately after, I cut the stems with a double-blade mower. When the stems are sufficiently yellow (after three to four days), I ted them to turn them over, then windrow the straw for baling. Farm storage is then mandatory.
The cooperative picks up by truck according to its needs. I harvest an average of 7-8 t/ha of yellow straw (versus 9-10 t/ha for retted straw) and 1,100 kg/ha of hemp seeds (500-1,500 kg/ha depending on the year).
three hemp representative organizations?
I got involved in La Chanvrière de l'Aube's board of directors to participate in its management and strategy and ensure the crop's attractiveness for producers. This consideration of producers' interests then led me to get involved in FNPC and InterChanvre. Through these commitments, I discovered all hemp-related markets (it even inspired me to build with hemp) as well as other European players. I also got involved in developing new double-blade mowers for harvesting and prospecting new markets. Testing new techniques to share with producers is motivating!
Regulations
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) differs from Cannabis indica, banned in France, by its low THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) content. French and European regulations, harmonized since 2004, only authorize varieties containing less than 0.3% THC. Seeds used by producers must be certified and listed in the European catalog.
Moreover, the interprofession wishes to differentiate uses: "Hemp" for industrial and food applications and "Cannabis" for therapeutic and wellness markets exploiting cannabidiol (CBD), which it doesn't handle. Hemp is cultivated following field crop models, while cannabis cultivation is closer to horticulture.
hemp cultivation
Want to start hemp cultivation and need information to help set up your project?
Complete the questionnaire below to access resources and steps to launch your hemp cultivation project.
In France, the average distance between a producer and their hemp processor is 50km. Beyond 100km, a partnership may be compromised.
Route de Grange l’Evêque
10180 SAINT LYE - FRANCE
+33 (0)3 25 92 31 92
contact@lachanvriere.com website : https://lachanvriere.com/
