These five elements are needed in hemp rotations today:
- Yield. Narrowing the gap between potential yields and actual yields is achieved with smart genetics. To achieve desired critical elements- including both grain and biomass nutrient-density, taste, and protein. Measured with benchmarks such as grain/biomass $/Tonne, $/Megalitre, $/Hectare and importantly in these times dollars per unit of carbon
- Resource efficiency. Technology such as drip-irrigation and soil moisture monitoring are important components utilising point and spatial data. Macro nutrient efficiency including N-P-K, and micro-nutrients. Farmers need to foster soil microbiology to enhance productivity. Efficiently using, on-farm and off-farm sources of organic matter and crop residues. The element of energy efficiency and on-farm field-efficiency is critical to financial survival.
- Rebuilding soils. Diverting organic waste safely into soils. Crop residue incorporation and composting are critical practices. Crop rotations (including pasture and livestock systems) and using roots to “break through” hostile surface and subsoil. Techniques include highly sophisticated nanoparticle treatments and other new technologies. Micro Organisms, enhanced and supplied through inoculums, compost and compost extract together with the broad spectrum of micro-nutrients supplied by fertiliser derived from seaweed etc.
- A Six-step value chain approach. Farmers must run benchmarked investments in land and water that cover financial, agronomic, environmental and community risks. Satisfying niche and bulk-commodity markets. Scale will allow economies to be gained in input costs. R&D will be directed effectively to continuously improve performance. Scale through industry alliances, co-operatives, and aggregations. Linkages with primary processing as well as manufacturing ensure the farmer enhances profitability. They will produce and market safe, environmentally sound, branded products.
- Digital decision support. The key is to systematically address a range of complex issues facing growers in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. There are four drivers that should be integrated into a Decision Support System for ESG reporting.
These are:
- Productivity
- Quality
- Environment
- Social
The industry must have effective carbon sequestration in soil (fragile) and in manufactured products used in construction (robust). To achieve rigorous verification protocols the industry must have a robust, grower-orientated recording system. These records provide traceability to meet “Measure to Manage Principals” and comply with Natural Capital Accounting. And add to detailed knowledge of Carbon Sequestration Lifecycles enabling the realisation of hemp’s Food, Feed, Fibre and Fuel potential.