Since 2016, the area dedicated to hemp cultivation has gone from 61 to 510 hectares, according to the 2020 data from the Spanish Agricultural Guarantee Fund (FEGA). Despite the fact that it is still a small area for an industrial crop, interest in this production is growing.
For this reason, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) has just published an informative note on the main influencing factors of this agricultural activity. The objective is to inform growers and technicians about what is allowed, the applicable regulations and the existing obligations for growers. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been cultivated throughout history as a source of fiber for textile or paper use, to obtain food products, for medicinal purposes or for cosmetic uses. However, due to the possible presence of a certain amount of THC, a hemp grower must be fully aware of the regulations, what is allowed and of the obligations that it has to comply with.
Currently, the main interest in hemp cultivation lies in CBD, which is subject to regulatory restrictions as well. Hence, the informative note prepared by the MAP includes regulations that rule production, the allowed end-products, the existing regulations and obligations that growers must comply with.
The note addresses existing doubts and guides, on the one hand, growers who decide to implement this crop; on the other hand, technicians who have to respond to the growing questions regarding this product. The text has been prepared in collaboration with the agricultural administrations of the autonomous communities, with the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), belonging to the Ministry of Health, and with the Technical Unit of the Judicial Police of the Civil Guard. The full content can be accessed by clicking here.
Likewise, the MAP considers of great interest for potential growers the self-check document (http://lajunta.es/2znie) that has been published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Development of the Junta de Andalucía so that they have the certainty of not engaging in illegal activities. The note and the ministry's website also contain links to other websites where there is also information of interest.
Source: mapa.gob.es