Crop substitution
Food and industrial hemp as an alternative crop for farmers.
Regenerative agriculture with hemp
Hemp enriches the soil it grows in. Our work focuses on measuring that benefit in Latin American soils.
Why hemp
Benefits of food and industrial hemp
- Thrives in virtually any climate, grows quickly and needs little maintenance.
- Uses very little water per pound of fiber.
- Stores CO2 while growing, which is positive for the CO2 balance.
- Enriches the soil and is ideal for crop rotation.
- Thrives in neutral pH.
Our focus
Four areas of focus
Food security
Good agricultural practice certifications are advancing, with food security for a growing population in mind.
Inclusive agriculture
Support for Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities to get licensed and bring harvests to market.
Climate
Research priority: analytical methods for CO2 capture and nitrogen fixation, to be endorsed by national and international entities.
Global goals
Framed by the UN 2030 Agenda
The project is framed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action and life on land.
The 17 goals
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The project is framed by all 17 goals:
- 1. No poverty
- 2. Zero hunger
- 3. Good health and well-being
- 4. Quality education
- 5. Gender equality
- 6. Clean water and sanitation
- 7. Affordable and clean energy
- 8. Decent work and economic growth
- 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- 10. Reduced inequalities
- 11. Sustainable cities and communities
- 12. Responsible consumption and production
- 13. Climate action
- 14. Life below water
- 15. Life on land
- 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
- 17. Partnerships for the goals
Crop substitution
A viable alternative for growers
The National Integral Programs for the Substitution of Crops of Illicit Use aim to support voluntary substitution and help families out of poverty and marginality. The project proposes food and industrial hemp as a viable crop for those growers, with the support they need, and notes that hemp does not require broad-spectrum herbicides.
Food security
Food hemp and hunger
The project presents food hemp as a feasible, sustainable crop to help, and as a crop of national interest. Its nutritional hemp is listed at 10 grams of plant protein per 2.5-tablespoon portion, while the Hempo table lists 3 grams per 1 1/2 tablespoons.
For context, the recommended daily protein intake is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight: between 56 and 90 grams a day for an average man with little physical activity, and 46 to 75 grams for a woman in the same conditions.
FAO recommendations
How to mitigate hunger
- Provide essential agricultural inputs to keep animals alive and crops in production.
- Give technical help for producing and storing animal feed, making fertilizers from local inputs and setting up seed banks.
- Make cash transfers to the most vulnerable people in rural and urban areas to soften expected food price rises.
- Support Venezuelan migrants and host communities in border areas by rehabilitating water systems and setting up rapid food and fodder production.
Field trial
Hemp microgreens
In November 2022 the project sowed hemp microgreens in field trays in Colombia (experiment Jurassic Hemp 008, labelled “Resol ICA 115096”). By day seven each tray had 150 to 200 seedlings. CIAT measured protein at 310 g/kg in microsprouts with dry root and 302 g/kg in dry rootless microsprouts.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How does hemp help the soil and climate?
Hemp stores CO2 while growing, enriches the soil and suits crop rotation. The project studies CO2 capture and nitrogen fixation in Latin American soils.
What is crop substitution?
The National Integral Programs for the Substitution of Crops of Illicit Use support voluntary substitution. The project proposes food and industrial hemp as a viable crop for those growers.
How does the project support communities?
It aims to help Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities obtain licenses to grow food and industrial hemp, with support through every phase of cultivation, training and the future sale of their harvests.
How does food hemp relate to food security?
The project presents food hemp as a feasible, sustainable crop to help, and as a crop of national interest.
Which UN goals frame the project?
The project is framed by all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action and life on land.