Hemp in organic farming, the future of sustainable development

Hemp fiber is returning to fields at a rate not seen in Europe since the 1950s. According to European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) the area of hemp cultivation in the EU has increased from about 20,540 hectares in 2015 to over 50,000 hectares in 2023, and the Polish KOWR register shows a steady increase on our fields as well. The reason is simple: one plant absorbs more CO₂ than a young forest, does not require pesticides, and provides the farmer with five different streams of income, from seed oil to hempcrete for construction. This article shows why hemp has become a favorite of EU Green Deal policy and what it means for Polish farmers in 2026. A guide to cultivation and law.

The short answer to why hemp fits into organic farming?

Hemp fiber fits into organic farming because it combines a fast growing cycle (100-130 days), high CO₂ (8-15 tons/ha according to methodology IPCC AR6 WG1, 2021) and the lack of the need for pesticides. It is a plant that manages weeds on its own and rebuilds soil structure.

In practice, the farmer gets a crop with a low environmental footprint and several end products: seeds, fiber, shives, inflorescences for CBD, and energy biomass. This directly aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.

From our market observations, more and more Polish organic farms are treating hemp not as a curiosity but as a cover crop for wheat and rye. This is a change that was rare just five years ago and is now becoming the norm in rotations under EKO certification.

What does the history of hemp cultivation in Europe look like?

Hemp has accompanied European agriculture for over 5,000 years. According to archaeologists, it was cultivated as early as the Neolithic, and in medieval Poland, hemp fiber formed the basis of the production of ropes, sails, and paper. It was only the UN Single Convention of 1961 that led to a global reduction in cultivation, although it mainly concerned marijuana.

The golden age of hemp in the Commonwealth

In the 17th century, the Commonwealth was one of the largest exporters of hemp fiber in Europe. Our ropes and sails were sent to the fleets of England, Holland, and Spain. The plant grew widely from Mazovia to Podlasie, where place names like "Konopnica" and "Konopki" have survived to this day.

Return after 1990

After the political transformation, Poland gradually restored the possibility of legally cultivating hemp fiber. The key was the Act of July 29, 2005, and its amendment from 2017, which allowed for the commercial use of CBD derived from varieties with THC below 0.3% (ISAP, Act of 29.07.2005).

Citation Capsule: The European area of hemp fiber cultivation exceeded 50,000 hectares in 2023, according to data European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), which represents more than a twofold increase compared to 2015 and confirms the plant's return after sixty years of regulatory dormancy.

How do hemp fibers differ from marijuana?

Hemp fibers and marijuana belong to the same botanical species (Cannabis sativa L.), but differ in THC content. In the European Union, the legal threshold is 0.3% dry weight (from 2023, previously 0.2%), and varieties allowed for cultivation are listed in the EU agricultural variety catalog and the Polish KOWR register.

Taxonomy and variety selection

Botanically, there is no "marijuana" as a separate species. It is a cultural term referring to varieties cultivated for high THC content. Industrial hemp is the same as the old European varieties, bred for long stems and low levels of psychoactive cannabinoids.

Certified Polish varieties

The Polish KOWR register includes varieties such as Białobrzeskie, Tygra, Henola, and Wojko, developed at the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants in Poznań. Each has a defined THC profile below 0.3% and is eligible for CAP subsidies.

What are the greatest ecological benefits of hemp cultivation?

The most important ecological benefit of hemp is CO₂ sequestration at a level of 8-15 tons per hectare per season, which is more than a young forest (2-6 tons/ha according to IPCC AR6 WG1, 2021). Additionally, there is phytoremediation, low water demand, and improved soil structure.

CO sequestration₂, more than a forest

Hemp grows up to 4 meters in 100 days, resulting in massive biomass production. According to the IPCC AR6 methodology, one hectare of hemp sequesters 8-15 tons of CO₂, while a young forest averages 2-6 tons/ha annually. The key is the further fate of this carbon. If the fiber ends up in hempcrete or textiles with a long life cycle, the carbon is trapped for decades.

No pesticides, natural resistance

Hemp produces terpenes and cannabinoids that act as natural repellents. According to a review in the journal Plants (PMC, 2023) , the plant is virtually free from serious pests in Central Europe. Dense planting (50-70 kg of seeds/ha) plus rapid growth shades weeds before they can develop.

Phytoremediation and heavy metals

Classic work Linger et al., 2002 showed that hemp absorbs cadmium, nickel, lead, and zinc from the soil, accumulating them in its roots and stems. The plant was even tested in the Chernobyl area, where it helped clean up radionuclide-contaminated lands.

Low water demand

According to studies Cherrett et al., 2005 hemp uses about 1/3 of the water needed to grow cotton for the same unit of fiber. For the farmer, this means less sensitivity to droughts, which are becoming more frequent in Poland.

Deep roots and soil structure

The taproot system goes down to 1.5-2 meters deep. After harvesting, the soil is aerated, loosened, and enriched with organic matter. This is why hemp works well as a cover crop for wheat.

Cover crop and grain rotation

Organic farmers have reported a 10-20% increase in wheat yields in the year following hemp cultivation. This occurs due to a combination of interrupting pest pressure, mineralizing crop residues, and improving soil structure. This is a bonus that no typical cover crop can provide.

Citation Capsule: One hectare of hemp fiber sequesters 8-15 tons of CO₂ during the growing season (100-130 days) according to methodology IPCC AR6 WG1, 2021, which is more than a young forest (2-6 tons/ha annually). This makes the plant a climate tool of real scale, not just a marketing slogan.

What does Polish hemp farming look like in 2026?

In 2026, approximately 5,000 hectares of hemp fiber are cultivated in Poland, according to data from the National Support Center for Agriculture (KOWR). This is still a fraction of the European area (over 50,000 ha according to EIHA), but the increase compared to 2020 is several times and mainly includes the provinces of Lublin, Podkarpacie, and Greater Poland.

KOWR register and certified varieties

Every farmer wishing to cultivate hemp fiber must register the plantation with KOWR and use certified seed material from the EU catalog. Documentation includes the exact location of the field (land registry number), area, and variety.

CAP subsidies and Green Deal

Hemp qualifies for basic direct CAP payments and eco-schemes, including payments for climate-friendly crops. Work is also ongoing on a separate subsidy mechanism for carbon sequestration in soil and biomass, as part of the EU policy Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF).

Local processing infrastructure

From our market observation in 2025-2026, several small hemp processing plants operate in Poland, mainly in Lublin and Greater Poland. However, there is a lack of large decorticators and oil presses capable of handling the area increase. This is the biggest systemic barrier signaled by the growers themselves.

What can a farmer do with one plant? End products

From one hectare of hemp fiber, an average of 5-8 tons of biomass is obtained, including 1-2 tons of seeds and 3-5 tons of straw, according to EIHA (2023). Every part of the plant has its use, making hemp a model example of a circular economy.

Seeds, oil, and superfood

Hemp seeds contain about 30% protein and an ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (3:1). They are pressed into cooking oil and produce hemp protein used in plant supplements. Polish presses sell hemp oil for an average of 60-100 PLN per half liter.

Fiber, textiles, and paper

Hemp fiber is stronger than cotton, blocks 95% of UV radiation, and has antibacterial properties. It is used in textiles, paper, ropes, and composite materials for the automotive industry. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have been using hemp mats in door upholstery and dashboards for over a decade.

Hempcrete, building insulation

Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp shives, lime, and water. Its thermal conductivity is 0.06-0.19 W/m·K, comparable to good mineral wool, plus it binds CO₂ during the binding of lime. The material has been used for years in France and the UK, and is slowly entering eco-building projects in Poland.

Biomass and second-generation biofuels

Harvest residues (stems, leaves) are suitable for the production of pellets, briquettes, or second-generation bioethanol. This biofuel comes from parts of the plant that are inedible for humans, so it does not compete with food production (unlike bioethanol from corn).

Inflorescences and CBD extracts

CBD extract is obtained from the inflorescences of fiber varieties. WHO ECDD (2018) stated that CBD does not exhibit addictive properties or significant abuse potential. In Poland, CBD products derived from legal fiber varieties are available on the retail market.

Shives and feed

Shives (hurds), the woody interior of the stem, serve as bedding for animals, an additive to hempcrete, and a horticultural substrate. They are increasingly used in biodegradable composites that replace Styrofoam.

Does hempcrete or hemp concrete really work?

Hempcrete effectively serves as an insulating and structural material for infill walls. Its thermal conductivity of 0.06-0.19 W/m·K places it in the same league as mineral wool, and a unique feature is carbonation: lime binds CO₂ from the atmosphere throughout the building's life, according to data EIHA (2023).

Carbon balance of the building

According to industry calculations, one cubic meter of hempcrete stores 60-110 kg of CO₂ throughout its life. In comparison, the same cubic meter of Portland cement emits 200-400 kg of CO₂ in production. The net difference exceeds 500 kg of CO₂ per m³.

Practice in Poland

The first Polish houses made of hempcrete were built after 2015, mainly in the Lublin and Pomeranian Voivodeships. The main barrier is the price (40-60% more expensive than traditional construction) and the lack of contractors. The situation is slowly changing as the number of certified trainings by the French Construire en Chanvre increases.

Polish companies and European trends in the industry

According to the data EIHA (2023) Over 1,000 companies related to the hemp industry operate in Europe, from plantations to advanced processing. In Poland, the sector is still young but is growing dynamically around several regional centers.

Polish hemp companies

In the Polish market, growers are organized in the Polish Association of Hemp Producers and Processors, independent oil presses, small hemp textile producers, and distributors of building materials made from hempcrete. They collaborate with KOWR partners and the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants in Poznań, which conducts research on new varieties.

EIHA and the role of Brussels

The European Industrial Hemp Association lobbies in Brussels for raising the allowable THC level in cultivation to 0.6%, which would give Polish farmers access to a larger pool of varieties. EIHA also co-develops technical standards for hempcrete and hemp fiber (CEN/TC 124).

The Green Deal and the 2030 goals

Hemp fits into three pillars the European Green Deal: a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, the "Farm to Fork" strategy, and bioeconomy. The European Commission identifies hemp as one of four priority plants for regenerative agriculture.

What are the biggest challenges for the hemp industry?

The biggest challenges are the fragmentation of processing infrastructure, farmer education, complicated THC regulations, and competition from China and France, where the sector has a longer production continuity. According to the report EIHA (2023) France produces over 50% of European hemp fiber.

Farmer education

Most Polish farmers have no experience with hemp. There is a lack of training, teaching materials in Polish, and local advisors. Agricultural Advisory Centers are just beginning to build an offer in this area.

Processing infrastructure

A farmer will not profit from hemp if there are no decorticators, presses, or sorting facilities within a 100 km radius. The Polish processing industry is fragmented and financially weak. This is a classic "chicken and egg" situation: the lack of raw material hinders investment in factories, and the lack of factories hinders cultivation.

Complicated regulations

The 0.3% THC limit means that even a variety listed in the catalog can be rejected during testing if climatic conditions raise the THC content above the threshold. This is a risk that is hard to predict, and the financial consequences are borne by the farmer.

Competition from China and France

China produces cheap hemp fiber due to low labor costs. France has a 200-year industrial continuity in the sector. Poland must seek niches: organic food seeds, hempcrete for local construction, premium CBD from Polish varieties.

Polish legal context, what is allowed and what is not?

In Poland, the cultivation of hemp fiber is legal but requires registration with KOWR and the use of a certified variety with THC below 0.3%. The legal basis is the Act of July 29, 2005, on counteracting drug addiction, amended in 2017 to regulate CBD issues.

The registration procedure at KOWR

The farmer submits an application for entry in the register of hemp producers by May 15 of each year. Required documents: land registry number, area, variety, source of seed material (official label), and a copy of the land registry map. Registration is free.

Legal status of CBD

CBD obtained from legal hemp fiber varieties with THC below 0.3% is a product allowed for sale in Poland. WHO ECDD (2018) has assessed CBD as a non-addictive compound with no significant abuse potential. CBD products are available in pharmacies, specialty stores, and online.

Legal disclaimer: the cultivation of hemp fiber in Poland requires a license and registration with KOWR and the use of certified seed material from a variety listed in the EU catalog. This is regulated by the Act of July 29, 2005, on counteracting drug addiction and the amendment from 2017. CBD derived from varieties with THC below 0.3% is legal in Poland. This article is educational in nature and does not encourage cultivation without full certification.

What will the future of hemp look like after 2030?

By 2030, hemp could become one of the pillars of regenerative agriculture in the EU, according to forecasts EIHA (2023) and goals the European Green Deal. The European area could double to about 100,000 ha, and the Polish sector could potentially reach 15,000-20,000 ha.

Sustainable fashion and textiles

Brands like Patagonia, Levi's, and Stella McCartney are intensively working with hemp fiber as an alternative to cotton and polyester. The "slow fashion" trend and the EU textile strategy from 2022 are forcing producers to change their raw materials. Hemp is a natural beneficiary here.

An alternative to plastic

Biocomposites based on hemp fiber and biopolymers (PLA, PHA) can replace plastic in packaging, automotive, and furniture. The German automotive sector is already using hemp mats in 25% of new models.

Carbon farming and carbon credits

The EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework foresees payments for farmers for real CO₂sequestration. Hemp, as a crop with one of the highest carbon binding capacities, could benefit from this mechanism as early as 2026-2028.

Recommended CBD products from Polish hemp fiber

If you want to try products made from legal hemp fiber from certified varieties, below you will find four proven suggestions. All contain THC below 0.3% and comply with Polish and EU law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are hemp fibers legal in Poland?

Yes, the cultivation of hemp fiber from varieties with THC below 0.3% is legal in Poland. It requires registration of the plantation with KOWR by May 15 of each year, the use of certified seed material, and compliance with the Act of July 29, 2005, on counteracting drug addiction (with amendments from 2017).

How much CO₂ does one hectare of hemp absorb?

One hectare of hemp fiber absorbs 8-15 tons of CO₂ during the growing season (100-130 days), according to methodology IPCC AR6 WG1, 2021. This is more than a young forest (2-6 tons/ha annually), although the durability of sequestration depends on the final use of biomass (hempcrete retains carbon for decades, biofuel releases it quickly).

Do hemp really not require pesticides?

Hemp fibers are practically free from serious pests in European conditions, thanks to the natural production of terpenes and cannabinoids that repel insects. According to a review in the journal Plants (PMC, 2023) cultivation does not require pesticides or herbicides, and dense planting suppresses weeds.

What is phytoremediation with hemp?

Phytoremediation is the cleaning of contaminated soil by plants. Hemp absorbs heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc) from the soil and accumulates them in its roots and stems, as confirmed by classic work Linger et al., 2002. The plant was even tested in the Chernobyl area on lands contaminated with radionuclides.

How much water do hemp need compared to cotton?

Hemp uses about 1/3 of the water needed to grow cotton for the same unit of fiber, according to studies Cherrett et al., 2005. For the farmer, this means less sensitivity to droughts, which are becoming more frequent in Poland due to climate change.

Do hemp improve the yields of subsequent crops?

Yes, organic farmers report a 10-20% increase in wheat yields in the year after hemp. This occurs due to interrupting pest pressure, mineralizing crop residues, and improving soil structure through the taproot system of hemp going down to 2 meters deep.

What is hempcrete and is it suitable for the Polish climate?

Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp shives, lime, and water, used as wall infill. Its thermal conductivity of 0.06-0.19 W/m·K places it on par with mineral wool, according to EIHA (2023). The material is suitable for the Polish climate and has been used for a decade in France and the UK under similar conditions.

How much does a farmer earn from one hectare of hemp fiber?

Gross income from one hectare of hemp fiber in Poland (2025-2026) ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 PLN, depending on the direction of use (seeds, fiber, inflorescences for CBD) and local processing infrastructure. With CAP subsidies and eco-schemes, it can exceed 15,000 PLN/ha.

Is CBD from hemp fiber legal in Poland?

Yes, CBD derived from legal hemp fiber varieties with THC below 0.3% is legal in Poland and available on the retail market. WHO ECDD (2018) has assessed CBD as a non-addictive compound with no significant abuse potential.

What Polish hemp varieties are certified?

The Polish KOWR register includes varieties such as Białobrzeskie, Tygra, Henola, and Wojko, developed by the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants in Poznań. Each has a THC profile below 0.3% and is eligible for CAP subsidies and listed in the EU agricultural variety catalog.

Summary

Hemp fiber is not a passing trend but a strategic plant for European agriculture until 2030 and beyond. It combines high CO₂ (8-15 tons/ha according to IPCC), independence from pesticides, low water demand, and improved soil structure. For Polish farmers, this means a new income path, compatible with CAP subsidies and Green Deal goals.

Barriers such as processing fragmentation and farmer education are real but solvable. Poland has varieties, has area to cultivate, and has institutional support from KOWR. There is still a lack of critical mass of processing plants and local advisors, but this is a matter of the next few years.

If you want to personally experience products from the Polish hemp industry, start with CBD oils or flower from certified fiber varieties. This is a safe first step into the world of a plant that has a history of 5,000 years and a realistically green 21st century ahead. A guide to choosing your first product.

Author: Michał Waluk, editorial team ubucha.pl, CBD hemp store. Article updated on April 25, 2026.