A Worcestershire farm has drawn attention from local residents after planting 30 hectares of industrial hemp, a crop that visually resembles its illicit cannabis cousin but is entirely legal to cultivate with the appropriate licence.
Jake Freestone, farm manager at Overbury Enterprises on Bredon Hill, is one of approximately 130 licensees across the UK permitted to grow the plant. He explained that while the crop, a variety of the cannabis sativa plant, “looks very much like what it shouldn't be,” it has been specifically bred for its fibres. These varieties contain negligible levels of psychoactive compounds, meaning there are “absolutely no special effects here, whatsoever.” The farm aims to harvest the crop for its versatile fibres, which can be used in products ranging from clothing and rope to paper, soundproofing, and even as a strengthening agent in cement.
Beyond its commercial potential, Freestone highlighted the significant environmental benefits of growing hemp. The crop is highly effective at capturing carbon from the atmosphere, locking it away in its stems and enriching the soil. By employing direct drilling for subsequent crops, this sequestered carbon can remain in the ground, contributing to a lower carbon footprint for the farm. Furthermore, hemp requires very little fertiliser and no pesticides, making it an attractive option for sustainable farming practices. This is the first year Overbury Enterprises has grown the crop, and Freestone noted its promising appearance.
The decision to plant hemp also stems from a need for agricultural resilience in the face of a changing climate. Freestone pointed out that traditional crops might become less suitable in increasingly dry, hot, or even wetter conditions. Hemp, however, can be planted later in the spring and is remarkably drought-tolerant, thriving in heat. Standing at around seven feet tall in places, the crop has demonstrated its ability to withstand the significantly drier conditions experienced this year, with rainfall totals far below average since early March. This adaptability offers crucial stability for the farm's operations.
While the unfamiliar sight of the hemp fields has undoubtedly “raised some eyebrows” among villagers, Freestone expressed optimism about the crop's future. He hopes that, in addition to its environmental and climate-resilience advantages, the venture will ultimately prove financially successful for Overbury Enterprises, providing a sustainable and profitable addition to their farming portfolio.