Interventions and published results
“Hemp: new industrial strategies” – Farmers’ cooperative
This project for the re-introduction of hemp cultivation in the Southern part of the Province of Ferrara was carried out in 1998 in the Mezzano area, in Ostellato, by a local cooperative in cooperation with national research centres. This project was a pilot intervention in the region in terms of innovation, sustainability, accountability and partnership. It was carried on in 1999-2000. From the original 10 hectares it has been extended to 30 hectares, involving other three farms of the Province of Ferrara with the support of the Regional Authorities of Emilia Romagna and the Provincial Authority of Ferrara. Industrial processing of hemp has also started with the involvement of some industries of the textile and paper sectors to define a possible use of the end product. These industries have decided to carry on the experiment together and have created the Italian Hemp Consortium, dealing with the tradition of hemp cultivation in the Ferrara area, experiments already carried out and further possible developments.