Report highlights industrial hemp as a sustainable and strategic solution for Brazil

Instituto Ficus has released the report "Hemp: The Commodity of the Future", positioning industrial hemp as one of the main opportunities for sustainable economic development in Brazil. With global analysis, unprecedented data, and projections up to 2045, the study highlights how this plant can transform industries, create jobs, and help the country become a reference in the international market.

Global Potential of Hemp
 

Recognized as a strategic crop in over 60 countries, industrial hemp is experiencing rapid growth. Data from the report indicates that:

• The global market generated around $7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $25 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of up to 24.5%.
   
• Hemp fibers, used in sectors like construction and bioplastics, saw a 32% increase in European imports between 2014 and 2023.
   

• 21 countries were producing hemp fibers in 2021, according to the FAO, with China and France leading the market.

   

Strategic Opportunity for Brazil

With favorable climatic conditions, Brazil has great potential to lead the hemp market, but faces challenges such as lack of regulation and infrastructure. The study reveals that:

• Hemp can regenerate up to 28 million hectares of degraded pastures, according to Embrapa.
   
• The plant consumes 75% less water than cotton and captures up to 16 tons of CO₂ per hectare per year, contributing to climate change mitigation.
   
• National demand for hemp-based products, such as CBD, grew 124% between 2023 and 2024.

Challenges and Recommendations

The report highlights significant barriers, such as cultural stigma and lack of clear regulation, but proposes solutions to unlock hemp's potential in Brazil:

1. Regulation: authorize industrial cultivation with THC limits of up to 0.3%, aligned with global standards.
    
2. Research and Development: adapt seeds to local climate and develop processing technologies.
    
3. Infrastructure: create credit lines and implement regional processing centers.
    
4. Education and Awareness: combat prejudices and promote hemp as a sustainable crop.

"Regulating hemp is an urgent demand. Brazil has ideal conditions to lead this market, but needs clear policies and incentives for the development of the production chain," said Bruno Pegoraro, president of Instituto Ficus.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Benefits
 

In addition to its industrial applications, hemp can strengthen the green economy and promote ESG practices in Brazil. Among the benefits are:

• Generation of local jobs, including small and medium-sized producers.
   
• Reduction of environmental impact, with low water consumption crops and soil regeneration capacity.
   
• Production of functional foods, such as seeds rich in proteins and healthy fats, ideal for vegan and health markets.

Favorable Context for Regulation
 

The report launch comes at a strategic moment, shortly after the STJ decision that mandated Anvisa to regulate hemp cultivation for medicinal purposes in Brazil. According to Bruno Pegoraro, president of Instituto Ficus, the country is at a decisive crossroads: "Brazil has all the conditions to be a global leader, but needs to advance in regulation and in building a robust production chain."

With detailed information on the global market, scenarios for Brazil, and practical recommendations, the report aims to catalyze actions and dialogues between the public and private sectors to position the country as a relevant player in the international hemp market.
 

Access the full report at www.institutoficus.org.