Hemp cultivation in Germany and Austria – EU-certified industrial hemp varieties

Not just a huge opportunity for agriculture. However, before a farmer can harvest the first flowers, leaves, seeds, or fibers of their hemp plants, they usually have to engage intensively with authorities, strict regulations, various applications, proofs, and diverse controls. That hemp fields are no longer a nuisance, but are once again welcomed as "sights," and that the cultivation of this special plant is worthwhile, brings joy, and offers future perspectives is shown in our encouraging interview with a young farmer from Vorarlberg. He has decided to help hemp achieve a renaissance in our region.

But what hurdles need to be overcome? What is the deal with the hemp varieties listed in the EU hemp variety catalog and certified by the EU? What applications need to be submitted and what approvals obtained? And how are sowing, care, and harvesting of hemp plants carried out?

Hemp back on our fields: Opportunities for agriculture & region

This question is answered by the joint EU hemp variety catalog, which lists all those EU certified hemp varieties whose cultivation is permitted for commercial purposes in EU member states. The seeds of the hemp plants mentioned in this variety catalog meet European regulations and may be legally cultivated. Currently, there are about 65 varieties, but this can change from year to year, so the catalog is updated by March 15 of the current year at the latest. For example, the varieties Bialobrzeskie and Carmagnola were no longer permitted in Germany in 2020 because their average THC content exceeded the permissible maximum value in Germany for the second consecutive year. In Austria, however, their cultivation was allowed. Only specific seeds of these listed plants are permitted for cultivation, which the farmer must prove by presenting the respective seed labels with the corresponding certificates to the responsible state authorities.
In Germany, the hemp varieties approved for cultivation must have a THC content below 0.2% in the plant's dry mass, ensuring they are not suitable for the production of illegal cannabis. Hemp farmers may only become "real" farmers under the law. Operations from other agricultural sectors, such as nurseries, winemakers, foresters, and private individuals, are not allowed to cultivate hemp. Other companies or individuals have the option to apply for cultivation at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Federal Opium Authority) and will only receive a permit if it serves scientific or other public interest purposes. Scientific institutes must also apply for the cultivation of THC-poor approved hemp varieties at the Federal Opium Authority, even though the substance-related limit of 0.2% THC is not exceeded in these varieties.

In Austria, industrial hemp varieties from the EU variety catalog may be cultivated if their THC content is below 0.3%. From these plants, fibers, seeds, and leaves can be harvested without falling under the narcotics law. However, for plant parts used in food and cosmetics, the limit of 0.2% also applies (in addition to other relevant limits regarding daily intake). THC-containing flowers and inflorescences are subject to this law (and further to the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961) and may only be used for medical and scientific purposes or processed by traders with authorization for the manufacture and wholesale of medicines and poisons (with corresponding approvals for narcotics).
To obtain approval in the EU variety catalog, the plant undergoes a two-year registration examination, during which characteristics such as uniformity, stability, and distinguishability are assessed. However, it is ultimately important that the THC level remains consistently low and stays low in subsequent generations. In Austria, at least a two-year examination of its cultivation value at various locations is added. If the assessment is positive, the variety is approved.

EU hemp variety catalog: Which hemp varieties may be legally cultivated

The control body for hemp cultivation in Germany is the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE). Any farmer wishing to cultivate industrial hemp, even as a catch crop, must register this with the BLE by July 1 of the cultivation year at the latest, providing precise information on the location and size of the cultivation area and the hemp variety used, obtain approval, and document it comprehensively. The start of flowering must also be reported to the authority in a timely manner. Samples are taken in the field, and the THC content of the plants is determined. If this does not exceed the legal limit, there is a green light for the harvest. In Austria, Agrar Markt Austria (AMA) oversees everything related to the cultivation of industrial hemp. Here too, the variety must be listed in the EU variety catalog. The farmer must prove with the label of the seed bag that they are using certified and permitted original seed. During the growth phase of the hemp plants, random samples are taken and checked in the lab for their THC content. The hemp variety and the seeded amount of seed in kg/ha must be recorded in the so-called field list. If several varieties are cultivated on the farm, each must receive its own plot, and the amount of seed sown must correspond to the plant stock. Harvesting is permitted no earlier than 10 days after the end of flowering unless a plant sample has already been taken by the AMA and analyzed by the AGES, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety. Harvesting or turning under for use as a catch crop at an earlier time is only possible with written permission from the AMA.

First, sowing must take place - certified seeds

It is crucial whether the hemp is grown for seed or fiber production. This not only affects the choice of variety but also the timing of sowing. The Research Institute for Organic Agriculture (FiBL) recommends sowing fiber hemp between mid-March and mid-April, while varieties for seed harvest should be sown only between late April and early May, when the soil has warmed to over 8 degrees Celsius.

Row spacing and seed quantity for fiber and seed hemp

If one wants to harvest hemp fibers, the plants must grow quickly and should not branch as much as possible, which is why they are sown with row spacing of 15 to 17 cm, requiring a seed quantity of about 55 to 70 kg per hectare. For seed production, the plants must be able to branch widely and form many flowers. Therefore, they are sown less densely, usually with row spacing between 30 and 40 centimeters, which corresponds to a seed quantity of 12 to 25 kilograms per hectare.

Harvest times: Fiber hemp vs. seed hemp

Fiber hemp is harvested early, starting at the end of July when the plants are flowering. Using specialized machines, the plants are cut close to the ground and are then left on the field for two to three weeks, being turned regularly. During this "retting" period, microorganisms break down the pectin that holds the fibers together. Once these have separated from the so-called "shives," the woody parts, the fibers are trimmed if necessary and then pressed into bales. The seeds for the production of valuable hemp oil, hemp flour, and hemp protein are harvested from September onwards after they have ripened for about a hundred days. For threshing, a specially equipped combine harvester is needed, as the very firm hemp fibers can easily wrap around the rotating parts, which can clog the machine. In 2018, a special hemp harvesting machine from a southern German company toured through Germany to harvest hemp in the different cultivation regions! According to FiBL, depending on the location conditions, 800 to 2,000 kilograms of seeds can be harvested per hectare. After threshing the seeds, the stems can also still be harvested for fiber production, although the quality is lower due to the later harvest time compared to specific fiber hemp.

Image source: © 2020 Tabea Walch