Stakeholders and local officials in south-central France say they are two weeks from harvesting first trial hemp crops, holding out hope that the plant could lift the fortunes of local farmers.
Aura Chanvre, a Lyon-based association working to revitalize the hemp textile industry in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is leading the project, under which 11 farms in the Roannais and Forez sub-regions planted 18 hectares of trial fields this season.
Local supply chains
The initiative is probing the potential for developing local hemp supply chains in the Massif Central, a large plateau region known for its rugged terrain, sparse population, and relatively underdeveloped economy. Most agriculture in the area is based on forage crops and livestock.
Massif Central is a large plateau region in south-central France
“It is a challenge for sustainable development and the circular economy that must be supported,” Hervé Gérin, sub-prefect of Roanne, told the L’essor Loire website. Other elected officials, farmers and producers are also involved in the initiative, which aims to create “a local, ecological, and equitable textile fiber supply chain.”
Fabric makers interested
Linder, a maker of fabrics, curtains, sheers, and tablecloths, and Tissages de Charlieu, a specialist in textiles for fashion, furniture, and the aeronautics industries, have both expressed interest in the initiative, according to L’essor Loire.
Hemp straw will also be explored for its potential to turn out hurd for hempcrete and fiber batting for France’s growing eco-construction industry.
The hemp trials are being financed by the municipalities participating in the project. The experimental phase could last from 3 to 5 years, organizers said.