“This is not just an industry to watch, it’s our future and it needs to be addressed now. It can create wealth, improve health and help save, sustain and grow economies while reducing our impact on the environment. With the Farm Bill legalizing hemp again, it’s time to get back to hemp.”

Lauren Weissman

Thanks to the project, we have dived into the world of hemp, through its history, different uses and enourmous potentials. Deep diving takes time and resources and we are looking forward to the next steps.

With this project ‘Reviving Hemp Heritage in Kosovo and Serbia’ we learnt a lot and discovered that there is actually so much more to explore, read, study and do. So far, we can share the following results, and even some conclusions.

Publication on hemp heritage includes a short historical overview, explanation about the plant, its use in the textile industry, paper industry, medicine and food. It covers its potential in climate change mitigation and its place in the legal framework in Serbia and Kosovo. In Serbia, cultivation of industrial hemp is regulated, while in Kosovo, this is yet to be done.

We also made a short documentary about hemp in the past and present. The first episode is focused on Vojvodina, and the second part will be focused on Kosovo and Pomoravlje/Anamorava region.

You can check the promo video first episode bellow:

According to the Criminal Code, the cultivation of hemp is prohibited and there is no distinction between species. Given the potential of hemp for application in various industries and its contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the decriminalisation of this plant would lead to positive changes in several sectors. Taking into account the history of growing industrial hemp along the Binačka Morava, reuse would revive part of the traditions, preserve knowledge, memories and skills and bridge the need for sustainable solutions that take care of both people and the environment. Kosovo can be modelled on neighbouring countries, not only Serbia, but also Croatia and Albania. To regulate the cultivation of industrial hemp, only political will and understanding towards this fantastic plant are sufficient.

Possible next steps that would lead to a favorable climate for growing and processing industrial hemp include:

• Decriminalization of the plant through the introduction of regulations on the cultivation of industrial hemp and clearly defining which species / subspecies is considered prohibited for cultivation and use, based on the content of THC;
• Inclusion of certain varieties that can be imported from other countries that produce them in the List of seeds approved by the Ministry of Agriculture;
• Education of police officers;
• Education of farmers and the public about the various possibilities of use and potential of industrial hemp;
• Including the cultivation of industrial hemp in the strategy for climate change.

By regulating the cultivation of industrial hemp, it would also lead to the revival of tradition, knowledge and processing skills, which until recently were the main source of income for many families in the Kosovar Pomoravlje region. In addition to economic well-being, an ecological revival would be imminent. Kosovo could develop facilities for the production of various products that are good for the planet and healthy for people. Hemp could be the basis for the production of paper, building materials, canvas, twine, cosmetic products, food for humans and animals and much more. And with all that, industrial hemp would help restore and recover land and achieve climate goals.

Kosovo could really be an example of smart political decisions that find inspiration in cultural heritage, and motivation in future generations. It only requires political will and courage, because the solutions already exist in nature.

This project was realised thanks to the support of the European Heritage Hub pilot Project co-funded by the European Union and supported by the ALIPH Foundation.