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Table of content

Introduction to hemp

Botany

A brief history of hemp

Agronomy

1.1.  Characteristics of the plant   

1.1.1. Taxonomy: botanical aspects 

1.1.2. Morphological characteristics

1.1.3. Physiological characteristics

1.2. Ecological aspects: Planning to plant hemp

1.2.1. Varietal choice 

1.2.2. Climate and water requirements

1.2.3. Soil requirements and field preparation

1.2.4. Nutritional requirements    

1.2.5. Hemp in the crop rotation  

1.2.6. Hemp in an agroecological system

1.3. Farming

1.3.1. Soil preparation or tillage

1.3.2. Sowing 

1.3.3. Weed control and crop protection

1.3.4. Harvesting   

1.3.5. Retting 

1.3.6. Baling

1.3.7. Storage

           1.4. Agricultural management practices

                        1.4.1. Organic agriculture

1.4.2. Regenerative agriculture     

Conditioning and conversion - Hemp applications

2.1. Hemp product range  

2.2. Processing of hemp straws    

2.2.1. Bast fibre separation/decortication

2.2.2. Breaking or Crushing

2.2.3. Scutching

2.2.4.  Hackling (Combing)

2.2.5. Separation of Hurds (Shives)

2.2.6. Drying

2.2.7. Refining Hurds for Byproducts

2.3.  Hemp fibre processing for textiles    

2.3.1. Cottonisation  

2.3.2. Blending with other fibres

2.3.3. Spinning

2.3.3. Dyeing

2.3.4. Weaving or Knitting

2.4. Products from hemp straws processing

2.4.1. Textiles

2.4.2. Technical products

2.5. Processing of hemp seeds      

2.5.1. Cleaning and drying

2.5.2. Storage

2.5.3. Dehulling     

2.5.4. Hemp Seed Oil Extraction/ pressing

2.5.5. Oil refining

2.5.6. Hemp biofuel

2.5.7. Hemp Protein Extraction

2.5.8. Hemp Food/Feed Products 

Sustainability module

3.1. Introduction to sustainability

3.2. Circular Economy

3.3. Environmental sustainability 

3.3.1. Soil quality and phytoremediation 

3.3.2. Water requirements

3.3.3. Biodiversity conservation   

3.3.4. Hemp grown on marginal land.      

3.3.5. Environmentally friendly farming practices

3.3.6. Carbon sequestration 

3.3.7. Carbon Credits

3.4. Economic sustainability 

3.4.1. Growing Consumer Awareness and Market Dynamics  

3.4.2. Job Creation and Economic Development

3.4.3. Innovation and Investment

3.4.4. Export Opportunities

3.4.5. Regulatory Impact   

3.4.6. Challenges and Considerations

3.5. Social sustainability     

Strategic Business and Entrepreneurship in the Hemp Industry 

4.1. Elements of Entrepreneurship

4.2. Introduction to Business Models

4.2.1. Sustainable business models  

4.3. Sustainable business with hemp

4.3.1. Cooperatives

4.3.2. B Corp model

4.3.3. Product-as-a-Service (PaaS)

4.3.4. Social Enterprise     

4.3.5. Circular Economy business principles 

4.3.6. Green Supply Chain Management  

4.3.7. Fair trade     

4.3.8. Sustainable Tourism

4.4. Examples of Hemp Enterprises  

4.5. General introduction to sectors for funding opportunities

The hemp market

5.1. Fibres and shives

5.2. Seeds  

5.3. Extracts

Networking in the Hemp Industry

6.1. Understanding the Market Dynamics and Regulatory aspects

6.2. Sectoral Engagement and Information Exchange

6.3. Hemp varieties and seeds for sowing

6.4. Teaming up for hemp production

6.5. Controls on the field and licensing     

6.6. Hemp Fibre and Shives Processing     

6.7. Hemp Seed and Flower Markets

6.8. Role of Trade Associations     

6.9. Networking events     

Hemp legislation   

7.1. Seed Purchase Requirements, THC limits and financial support   

7.2. Marketing requirements for hemp products

Marketing

8.1. Introduction to marketing in the industrial hemp sector

8.1.1. Importance of strategic communication and marketing     

8.2. Developing a marketing strategy

8.2.1.  Branding

8.2.2.  Messaging

8.2.3.  Channels     

8.3. Communication Tactics  

8.3.1. Public relations strategies to build credibility and trust

8.3.2. Social media marketing tailored to engage both B2B and B2C audiences

8.3.3. Content marketing: blogging, case studies, whitepapers, and video content 

8.4. Networking for growth

8.4.1. Importance of industry networking in building partnerships and expanding market reach  

8.4.2. Key events and trade shows for the hemp industry

8.5. Joining and benefiting from consortia and associations

8.5.1.  Benefits of joining industry consortia and trade associations      

8.5.2. Key consortia in the hemp industry and how they can help businesses thrive

8.5.3. Collaborative projects and their impact on innovation and market reach   

8.6. Regulatory considerations in marketing

8.6.1. Understanding compliance with local, national, and international regulations    

8.7. Case studies and best practices