Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
468. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to promote the cultivation of hemp in order to meet Ireland’s carbon sequestering targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25354/21]
View answerI am aware of the many processing possibilities that hemp possesses such as fibre, fuel and food production as well as the reported carbon sequestration potential of the crop.
While there has been significant research carried out on the cultivation of hemp in Ireland, mainly by Teagasc at its Oakpark Research Centre, this research has focused on the use of hemp as a source of fibre and as an energy crop. The efficiency of hemp as a carbon sequestration tool to be employed on Irish farms has not therefore been confirmed through Irish-based research which is a key requirement needed to inform agricultural policy.
Notwithstanding this, all options to enhance the carbon sequestration activities of the agricultural sector are currently under consideration by the Department as part of our national efforts to combat the effects of climate change.
It should be noted that the growing of hemp, which is included as an eligible crop under the Basic Payment Scheme, is subject to specific licence granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health and is restricted to certain varieties due to the presence the narcotic compound Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The Deputy will be aware that there is a commitment contained in the current Programme for Government (PFG) to “fully explore the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market”. The Department will shortly commence that consultative process by engaging with the relevant stakeholders.
