Rutishauser AG will start cultivating hemp in Züberwangen on an area of 2 hectares, for subsidiary Galenus AG. Rutishauser AG is taking another step towards diversification and investing in the Züberwangen site. Now, in addition to the premium tulips and potted plants, medicinal plants for Galenus AG will be cultivated in the greenhouses as well. With this, the family-owned company wants to expand its business activities in the medical and cosmetic sector, reports Gabot magazine. 
Hemp production at Galenus AG. Image: Galenus AG.
About two years ago, Rutishauser AG started growing medicinal plants at its production site in Fällanden, Zurich. GALENUS AG was founded for this new business segment in the health and cosmetics sector. As expected, demand for high-quality Swiss medicinal plants is very high. In order to meet the market needs, the family-owned company decided to invest in Züberwangen in an optimal infrastructure for the cultivation of medicinal plants. In the future, medicinal plants will be cultivated on an area of around 20,000 square meters. These are mainly hemp plants with a low level of intoxicating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and high levels of cannabidiol (CBD). This substance has anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory properties and does not fall under the narcotics category. Due to this specific active ingredient, medicinal hemp is in great demand. The cultivation is subject to strict regulations and controls.
Secure jobs
In order to achieve optimum conditions for the growth of hemp, the intention is to invest in a part of the existing greenhouses in an LED lighting system. Thanks to this, the lighting conditions can be controlled according to the desired growth conditions. Modern operation is highly automated. With the expansion of the product range at the Züberwangen location, the approximately 100 jobs at Rutishauser remain secure over the long term. In the medium term, additional jobs will be created.
Additional outdoor cultivation
In addition to indoor production, Galenus AG, in cooperation with another grower, farmer, focuses on the outdoor production of hemp. The medicinal hemp is cultivated on a property that borders directly on the greenhouses of the Rutishauser family. The plan is to grow on an area of about one hectare. The corresponding authorizations have been given. The property is fenced off and video-monitored.
Source: Gabot
For more information:
Rutishauser AG
Blumen.Pflanzen.Kulturen.
Unterdorf 6
9523 Züberwangen
Tel. 071 555 33 00
Fax 071 555 33 50
info@rutishauserag.ch
www.rutishauserag.ch