Hemp and flax. These are crops that score excellently in terms of climate and environment. The trade association Vlas en Hennep.nl has therefore commissioned CLM Research and Advice, in collaboration with the provinces of Groningen and Zeeland, to investigate how crops can play a role in future agricultural policy.
The cultivation of hemp and flax is very small in the Netherlands. Our country has 2.400 hectares of flax and 1.900 hectares of hemp, but according to the industry association there is enough reason to pay extra attention to fiber crops. For example, both crops score very well in terms of climate and environment, according to CLM research. Vlas en Hennep.nl therefore advocates that more attention be paid to these crops in the National Strategic Plan, which should give substance to the new European agricultural policy from 2023.
Wider crop rotation
Hemp and flax cultivation has a major advantage in the cropping plan: a wider crop rotation. "In the transition to sustainable agriculture, it is important to handle the soil, or your working capital, very carefully. Rest crops (such as flax) place a minimal burden on the soil," says Jo-Annes de Bat, deputy in the province of Zeeland. Marjan Minnesma, director of the Urgenda Foundation, also sees the importance of these 2 crops: "Hemp and flax save CO2 long-term and help realize a healthy and circular building."
In addition, hemp and flax cultivation is also interesting in view of the expected shrinkage in the potato area next year. "A wider crop rotation raises the quality of the soil to a higher level. This ultimately has a positive effect on the high-net-worth crops. A perfect additional crop if you have space left," explains David Kasse of Vlas and Hennep.nl . "By the way, flax also performed well last year, but now with the corona crisis it is more difficult. This of course also applies to many other crops, although I expect those other crops to recover sooner. After all: food is necessary, textile purchases can be postponed."
Offering added value to the grower
Society also encourages the cultivation of these fiber crops. This cultivation makes a significant contribution to healthy soil biology, results in sustainable end products (such as clothing, insulation and building materials) and the use of chemical crop protection products is minimal or limited. The study also shows that flax and hemp also score better in terms of fertilization, water consumption and biodiversity than potatoes and wheat, for example.
However, the big problem, just like with organic agriculture, is that all these benefits cannot yet be sufficiently appreciated. "In other words: these benefits (which are socially supported) are currently not yet paid out to the farmer," Kasse said. To achieve this, it is necessary to stimulate the demand for these fiber crops and to reward the social added value from the government. An example is that the government includes measures in the National Strategic Plan that support cultivation, for example through a surcharge.
Groningen and Zeeland in particular
Trade association Vlas en Hennep.nl has consciously chosen to collaborate with the provinces of Groningen and Zeeland. "The cultivation and processing of hemp is largest in Groningen and this applies to flax in Zeeland," says Kasse. "We sought this collaboration with provinces because they have great influence in drawing up the new National Strategic Plan."
Henk Staghouwer, the deputy of Groningen, is already enthusiastic. "As a province, we have made the report possible because we think it is important to know clearly what the potential of the cultivation of hemp and flax is. Now that it is known that the cultivation contributes positively to the climate goals, I see flax and hemp as a nice addition to agriculture in Groningen."