Reintroducing hemp cultivation in Mediterranean areas

Problem

There has recently been a renewed interest in hemp from the food sector for its contribution to cropping system sustainability and farm economy in semi-arid Mediterranean environments, particularly in organic farming. However, its re-introduction into the Mediterranean environment requires the identification and improvement of cropping practices, particularly in crucial stages such as sowing, harvest and post-harvest.

Solution

Timely sowings (second half of March and first ten days of April) of suitable varieties on well prepared seedbeds in early spring with rows 18-20 cm apart (a stale seedbed technique is advised), to make use of late winter rains and ensure effective crop germination as well as a rapid soil coverage within 4-5 weeks from sowing.