The popularity of hemp products has increased over the last few years, and the growing potential of such fibre crops is now being explored in Ireland.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has indicated that a report exploring the growing of such crops is due out shortly.
Hemp is currently included as an eligible crop under the Basic Payment Scheme, and any producer who grows hemp in Ireland, and who has a licence issued by the Minister for Health, is entitled to apply for payment on his/her entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme.
Minister McConalogue’s comments were made in a written answer to a parliamentary question posed by Sinn Féin’s agriculture spokesperson, Deputy Matt Carthy. The Sinn Féin deputy enquired about proposals to support producers of hemp in the country. The Minister advised that his department is busy finalising its findings on whether these crops offer a viable market.
On receipt of the report he plans to make a determination regarding the future viability of growing hemp for fibre in Ireland, and whether any additional supports are warranted.
In his response, he also clarified that that cannabis, which includes hemp, is listed in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, and is subject to the strictest level of control.
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