Moldova has begun sowing industrial hemp for the first time

Farmers in Moldova have started sowing industrial hemp for the first time since the approval of regulations allowing the cultivation of this crop, the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture reports.

Ion Sahanovski from the village of Balabanesti in Criuleni district is the first farmer to sow 8 of the 700 hectares of cultivated land with hemp. All products will be delivered to a local processing plant.

“This is the beginning. If we want to know the potential, we need to try,” the farmer says. He sees the new crop as an opportunity to diversify his business. According to him, obtaining the permit took a minimum of time. He submitted the documents online, without traveling to Chisinau.

To obtain a permit for cultivation, a farmer must have a processor certificate and a contract with a licensed processing company.

Last fall, the government amended the regulations, allowing the cultivation of industrial hemp for the production of seeds, fibers and oil.

Industrial hemp is considered a profitable and easy-to-cultivate crop due to its short growth cycle (60-90 days). In addition, hemp absorbs large amounts of CO₂, making it an important tool in the fight against climate change.

In late February and early March, the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Center of the Ministry of Agriculture held three seminars on this crop in Chisinau, Balti and Cahul. In mid-March, the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AMDM) issued the first license for hemp cultivation.

Tags: Moldova, hemp