USDA Releases Report on the European Hemp Market
One of the United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA)’s latest reports, “Market Trends and Regulations for Industrial Hemp in the European Union,” finds that hemp demand and production is growing worldwide. This report reviews the regulatory framework and major consumption trends for hemp in the European Union.
According to the European Commission, 34,960 hectares of land (86,388 acres) were dedicated to hemp cultivation in the EU in 2019. This accounts for a 75% increase from the 19,970 hectares (49,347 acres) that were cultivated in 2015. While hemp acreage has increased, it only represents 0.02% of cultivated lands in the European Union.
France leads EU Member States with the largest agricultural area dedicated to growing hemp at nearly 18,000 hectares (approximately 44,500 acres).
More information on land use, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and use of flowers and leaves can be found in the full report from the USDA.
Above image: Surfaces for hemp cultivation by EU Member States, courtesy of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) – Data from 2018.
