Hemp May Be the World's Most Sustainable Food Crop for a More Prosperous and Plentiful Future!
Global warming, stemming from climate change, has become a pressing issue on a global scale. The gravity of this situation has garnered widespread attention, as the potential consequences of inaction are dire, with the looming threat of species extinction. Beyond the environmental impact, global warming poses a significant risk to human well-being, affecting aspects such as health, food security, and overall quality of life. It is imperative to shift focus towards sustainable practices, especially in terms of food production, and to explore alternatives to materials that contribute to carbon emissions.
In this context, Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) has emerged as a promising candidate for sustainable solutions. Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option, particularly due to its ability to grow without the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Hemp boasts short production cycles, low cultivation costs, and the potential for carbon-negative processing, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Moreover, hemp's capacity for carbon sequestration further enhances its appeal as a renewable resource.
While hemp is commonly recognized for its industrial applications, such as textiles and building materials, its potential as a renewable food source is often overlooked. Hemp offers a wide range of food products, including protein supplements, food oils, hemp milk, bread, and even hemp seed energy bars. By tapping into the nutritional benefits of hemp, we can not only diversify our food sources but also reduce our reliance on traditional, resource-intensive agriculture practices. But what is the difference between hemp and cannabis grown for the medicinal market? Simply put the farms that grow industrial hemp have different varieties compared with what would be used to produce medical cannabis, as these varieties have lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels than medical cannabis. In fact the two types of hemp cannot be grown together because industrial hemp would destroy the THC content of pharmaceutical hemp thus growing and expanding industrial food grade hemp ruins potential for illegal marijuana agriculture it's a win, win!
In light of the urgent need to address climate change and promote sustainability, exploring the full potential of hemp as a renewable resource - both in terms of industrial and food applications - holds great promise for a more sustainable future. HempVest Africa is one of the first South African companies to receive an official commercial hemp permit from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, kick-starting its ambitions to produce a dynamic range of hemp products. Several African countries are actively involved in hemp production, including South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Ghana’s potential to establish a thriving hemp sector is immense, considering its favorable climate, abundant agricultural resources, and existing policies and programs that support the growth and advancement of the agricultural sector, as well as agro-processing and value addition. If the government will support an infrastructure that benefits its people over foreign interests it would be able to outshine other competition.
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