The recent Provincial Hemp Hybrid Workshop in Kimberley shed light on the crucial need for an integrated approach among all stakeholders to ensure the success of hemp cultivation in the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape MEC for agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development, and land reform, Mase Manopole, emphasised this point, highlighting the potential of hemp to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
“An integrated approach by all role players is needed for the success of hemp in the province,” Manopole said, addressing delegates at the workshop.
Concerns over hemp provincial structure
One of the key concerns raised during the workshop was the lack of a hemp provincial structure in the Northern Cape.
This absence of a structure sets the province apart as the only one without a formalised framework for hemp cultivation and regulation.
Delegates voiced critical questions regarding land access and financial support, underscoring the need for comprehensive policies and support mechanisms to facilitate the growth of the hemp sector.
Manopole said, “The Agricultural Research Council is currently conducting the Hemp trials in Upington.”
She also highlighted the pivotal role of small-scale farmers in the province’s hemp industry. She discussed the regulatory frameworks governing hemp cultivation, contrasting it with the regulations for medicinal cannabis overseen by the South African Health Product Regulatory Authority.
This distinction underscores the complexity of regulations surrounding cannabis-related crops and the importance of clarity for farmers and industry stakeholders.
Smallholder farmers’ role in the hemp industry
The workshop aimed to provide essential information to farmers interested in hemp production, with a specific focus on empowering around 100 smallholder farmers.
By equipping farmers with knowledge and resources, the workshop seeks to enhance their capacity to participate effectively in the evolving hemp industry, contributing to economic diversification and rural development in the Northern Cape.
Overall, the outcomes of the workshop underscored the potential of hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity and highlighted the necessity of coordinated efforts to unlock its benefits fully.
As discussions continue and initiatives are developed, the Northern Cape looks poised to harness the opportunities presented by hemp cultivation, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.
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