Hi everyone - first post here I run an environmental charity that helps companies to reduce carbon emissions and we promote local food and sustainability. For sustainability we promote Industrial Hemp as a profitable and environmentally sound break crop which is becoming a mainstream raw material for environmentally important low carbon products such as roof insulation and low carbon breeze blocks [when mixed with tradical lime] .................. Hemp makes a very useful break crop - It takes 4 - 4.5 months from seed to harvest and you can make at least £550 per hectare depending on how far away you are from the processors.................. So why aren't more farmers growing it?........... If you have a minimum of 40 Hectares and are growing fodder maize or wheat Hemp may especially suit you. We deal with the largest processor in the country Hemcore - who are farming experts and will assist any farmer with the agronomy, seed and final harvest logistics. We're looking for farmers who want both a profitable and sustainable option - if you're interested in growing Hemp or want to know more about the agronomy then please get in touch with me Richard and i'll get back to you. - rich@thec-changetrust.org .........notes...... The home office license if now free, only restrictions are cannot be grown next to a school or where a public footpath directly crosses the field.

More info on hemp (including prices and haulage costs) in this recent article for anyone who's interested....

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2008/01/24/109076/better-processes-dispel-uncertainties-of-hemp.html

Is that £550/ha profit?

Like the idea it cant be grown next to footpath or school - shuld grow it next to a young offenders institute and watch them drool.

Hi there - yes at least £529 profit after logistics if you are within 100 miles, and yes the seeds and inputs are taken into account - obviously the further away you are from suffolk the higher the cost of logistics - still it is a good crop to grow - now with a new processing factory in Suffolk the hemp doesn't need to be 'retted' for 6 weeks anymore making it much easier to grow, bail and transport to the factory. I have the agronomy folders and all the information you'd need to begin - Hemcore will consult and assist you in the first year to ensure the optimum crop.. please contact me Richard : rich@thec-changetrust.org for further info.