Millions Allocated for Hemp Cultivation to Protect the Environment
The United States is set to spend millions of dollars on growing hemp as part of a government-funded pilot project aimed at environmental protection. The initiative, supported by a federal grant, seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of industrial hemp cultivation in improving ecological conditions.
Hemp to Address Environmental Impact
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $19.6 million grant to the National Hemp Association (NHA) to conduct a research project assessing how hemp cultivation can benefit the environment. NHA staff will annually plant industrial hemp varieties on up to 2,023 hectares along the Chesapeake Bay in the eastern United States. During these field trials, scientists hope to determine whether hemp can:
- Clean contaminated soil
- Improve water quality
- Protect animal habitats
The Chesapeake Bay region was specifically chosen for this study because its lands have suffered significant damage from human activity, resulting in air, soil, and water pollution. Previous trials have shown that hemp’s robust root system can remove harmful chemicals from the soil, absorb carbon dioxide from the air, release oxygen, and enrich the land with nutrients by stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Scientists hope that hemp will help stop soil erosion and protect habitats for both terrestrial and aquatic species.
Hemp Acreage in the US Expected to Grow Dramatically
American researchers are not only aiming to clean up the environment but also to profit from large-scale industrial hemp cultivation. Last year, the area planted with industrial hemp in the US decreased by 2% compared to 2022, totaling 11,202 hectares. By comparison, Russian farmers cultivated hemp on 14,300 hectares during the same period.
Analysts at Whitney Economics previously predicted that by 2030, the area of industrial hemp fields in the US would reach an impressive 2.2 million hectares. However, the firm recently revised its forecast, now estimating that hemp acreage will only grow to 404,686 hectares. In this scenario, the value of products made from industrial hemp is expected to reach about $680.5 million.
Representatives from Whitney Economics explained the change as follows: “Our original forecast was based on the expectation of greater progress in developing regulations for using hemp as animal feed. Additionally, lawmakers and regulators are seeking to re-criminalize industrial hemp and impose restrictions even on products that do not cause intoxication. As a result, investors are hesitant to put money into hemp farming and the development of infrastructure to support the hemp industry.”