Farmers in the Republic of Moldova are asking for final regulation and clarity in procedures in order to be able to cultivate and fully exploit industrial hemp. Currently, the regulations require destroying waste resulting from processing, which limits the development of this sector. Opinions in this regard were formulated at a news conference hosted by IPN.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergiu Harea said that, although the Government is working on a legislative initiative, the Parliament's support is needed to set out a clear procedure. "Producers are ready to start sowing, but they need to know exactly what they can do with their harvest so that they are not left with full barns and no solutions," stated Harea.

Agriculture expert Iurie Uşelu noted that almost 70 farmers are interested in growing industrial hemp, and some already have the fields prepared. However, the current legislation stipulates that only seeds can be used and the rest of the plant is considered waste. "Industrial hemp and hemp with psychoactive effects are two different crops and this must be clearly regulated," explained Uşelu.

For his part, Marin Ciobanu, a producer of natural oils, including hemp seeds, highlighted the growing interest of farmers in this crop. "Since the Government Decision was approved, we have received over 10 requests from farmers, who want to plant industrial hemp." According to Ciobanu, the problem is that Moldova imports the raw material, which increases the costs of the final product. "If we have clear legislation, we can develop this sector and produce locally," he added.

Victor Melnic, of the AROMEDA Association, believes that this crop can become a major economic opportunity for Moldova. "Thousands of products can be obtained from a single plant and, in some cases, a 1$ investment can bring a profit of up to $25," said Victor Melnic.

The farmers propose that Law No. 382 and Government Decision No. 1382, which regulate narcotic substances, should be amended so that industrial hemp is treated as an agricultural crop, as in the European Union. They also ask for the involvement of the National Food Safety Agency in the certification of crops.

Producers say that the legislative changes will allow not only the use of the entire plant, but will also reduce imports of raw materials, increase exports and develop new industries in Moldova.

Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were targeted in the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.