Reintroducing hemp cultivation in Mediterranean regions

Hemp cultivation in Mediterranean regions offers sustainable farming solutions, particularly in organic and semi-arid conditions. Recommended sowing times are late March to early April, using well-prepared seedbeds with 18–20 cm row spacing. The stale seedbed technique leverages late winter rains for rapid germination and soil cover within four to five weeks. Low-input cultivation of existing hemp varieties shows resilience under harsh conditions. In rainfed systems, hemp thrives as a rotation crop after wheat or pulses, requiring minimal fertilisation—especially when targeting flowers and grains. It demonstrates strong drought tolerance (except during germination), improves soil structure, and suppresses weeds, with lasting benefits for subsequent crops. Challenges remain in developing better varieties, farming expertise, and harvesting machinery to enhance product quality and competitiveness in food supply chains. Findings are based on DiverIMPACTS field trials, with visual evidence from a variety trial in Picture 2.