Organic agriculture

Organic agriculture is a “farming system that relies on natural processes and inputs, avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It focuses on promoting soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance through practices such as crop rotation, composting, biological pest control, and the use of organic inputs. Organic farming aims to produce food in a way that is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and supportive of both the health of the soil and the wider ecosystem.” (FAO, 2018)

Fibre hemp is especially interesting within organic farming plans, largely because of its minimal input requirements. Furthermore, hemp interacts with soil organisms in a unique way compared to traditional crops like cereals, beets, or potatoes, potentially resulting in beneficial effects on soil health. However, the precise quantitative and qualitative impacts require additional investigation (van den Oever et al., 2023). The possibility of herbicide and pesticide-free cultivation qualifies the products for organic farming labels.

The production of organic hemp presents fewer challenges to overcome than the organic cotton. Additionally, organic cotton results in 20-50% lower yield, increasing the need for more land and costs between 37 and 65% more than traditional cotton (Duque Schumacher et al., 2020).