Research & Development

Research

Those who grow, process and study hemp know that it has huge potential, as a cash crop, a medicine, and a model for sustainable agriculture. However, there remains many gaps in our collective knowledge. This new era defined by the intensive study of hemp began so recently that its theoretical benefits far outweigh those confirmed by large-scale practical studies.

The 2018 US Congressional Research Service report on Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity concludes that “there were many remaining unknowns and that further analysis and production research was needed.” and that “While expanded market opportunities might exist in some states or localities if current restrictions on production are lifted, it is not possible to predict the potential for future retail sales or employment gains.”

Hemp Cooperative Ireland (HCI) is committed to increasing the overall understanding of hemp’s future in this country. It is especially important to farmers considering growing hemp as a crop that they receive as much certainty as can be provided through factual data. They rightly expect to know what kind of risks they may be taking by transitioning to hemp, and also what benefits it might bring to them.

In order to bring this high-quality, verified information to those that need it most, HCI has become involved with and initiated several research projects in various academic institutes across the country.

IT Tralee: Practical Product Design

Project Title: Design requirements of a hemp harvester machine, to effectively cut and separate the stalk and seed of the hemp crop.

The Hemp Cooperative Ireland commissioned this practical study, which addresses the need for new product design for hemp agriculture. The current upswing in the production of hemp differs from previous eras in that almost the entirety of the plant is now considered useful.

The seeds, the stalks, the flowers and the overall biomass all have at least some commercial demand. Thus, separating the various components of the plant efficiently has become a real need for those who grow it.

Traditional hemp retting can take weeks, and even the most modern solutions take several days, so a method to reduce the time spent separating its different parts would be hugely useful in promoting hemp’s viability as a commercial crop for Irish farmers. Every hour saved counts.

This kind of practical, solution-focused research is crucial, as it fulfills a real-world need in the short-term.

CREST: HCI Commissioned Project on Hemp’s energy potential

Project Title: Energy Generation and Carbon Sequestration from Industrial Hemp

The Hemp Cooperative Ireland commissioned this practical study, which addresses the need for new product design for hemp agriculture. The current upswing in the production of hemp differs from previous eras in that almost the entirety of the plant is now considered useful.

The seeds, the stalks, the flowers and the overall biomass all have at least some commercial demand. Thus, separating the various components of the plant efficiently has become a real need for those who grow it.

Traditional hemp retting can take weeks, and even the most modern solutions take several days, so a method to reduce the time spent separating its different parts would be hugely useful in promoting hemp’s viability as a commercial crop for Irish farmers. Every hour saved counts.

This kind of practical, solution-focused research is crucial, as it fulfills a real-world need in the short-term.

Shannon ABC, Limerick IT, IT Tralee

Ongoing collaboration to standardize cannabinoid extractions

Shannon ABC is an applied biotechnology centre created through a merger between the Natural Products Research Centre (NPRC) based at the Institute of Technology, Tralee and the Nutraceuticals Research Centre (NRC) at the Limerick Institute of Technology.

Their goal is to provide state-of-the-art research to commercial interests regarding natural products which contain bioactive substances of value.

The HCI is now collaborating with Shannon ABC and others to determine a clear set of standards for the extraction of cannbinoids in Ireland.

The amount of products containing CBD destined for human consumption has increased exponentially in recent years. In many countries, legislation has struggled to keep pace with the rapid development of new products and formulations. Ireland is no exception to this.

The HCI believes that developing a coherent framework for certification and a clearly-defined set of best-practices, it can protect the safety of Irish customers, and help establish Ireland’s future as a model for regulation of hemp across Europe.

It is hoped that the results of this study will provide valuable basis for further regulatory progress with regards to hemp in Ireland. Clearer data for any government or state body to draw on can only make for more effective policy.

The Hemp Cooperative is also involved in several other research projects, particularly its ongoing efforts to establish accreditation for hemp as a building material.