Training Force and Cheeba Cannabis Training have joined forces to educate and empower 100 local farmers in the Eastern Cape with comprehensive knowledge about hemp cultivation and its diverse applications.
The training, funded by the Eastern Cape Rural Development Association, unfolded at the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute in Middledrift, just north of King Williamstown.
Intensifying hemp knowledge
The course, a collaborative effort between Training Force and Cheeba Cannabis Training, covered the entire spectrum of hemp knowledge, from cultivation techniques to the industrial applications and value chain associated with production. Attendees gained insights into the legal framework of the hemp industry, harvesting and processing practices, and the myriad applications of hemp across various sectors.
Linda Siboto, director and co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Training, emphasised the versatility of hemp and its potential impact on various industries.
“Hemp has so many different applications, from textiles, paper, and food to construction, cosmetics, and biofuels. It also supports efforts to decarbonise, serving as a biodegradable plastic alternative with multiple environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, prevention of soil erosion, and improvement of biodiversity.”
The training programme, designed in collaboration with Training Force, included a significant practical component. Participants learned hands-on skills such as planting hemp seeds, field management, and low-tech applications, including the production of hemp-based products like bricks, cosmetics, milk, and manual decortication for basic fibres like rope.
Opportunity to learn new skills
Siboto explained, “This unique programme, aligned with the AgriSETA’s national certificate in plant production, is a first in the country and will empower farmers to develop both the value and supply chain around industrial hemp production.”
South Africa, with its favourable climate for hemp cultivation, stands poised to harness the economic potential, rural development, and community upliftment associated with the burgeoning hemp industry. Recognised globally as a sector with massive growth potential, hemp aligns with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Daniel Orelowitz, managing director at Training Force, highlighted the strategic collaboration’s impact on local farmers.
“This endeavour not only elevates the prospects for local farmers but also contributes to the diversification and sustainability of South Africa’s agricultural landscape. It empowers local farmers with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this young and growing industry.”
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