Good news from Argentina
A few months ago, I wrote about Argentina's opening up to textile hemp and the new law no. 27669, passed in May 2022, legalising the cultivation of industrial hemp. In particular, I focused on the development potential of textile hemp in Argentina, also listing some pioneer companies in the sector (you can read the article HERE - ed.).
Today, the promulgation of the new Decree No. 405/2023, known as 'Marco Regulatorio para el Desarrollo de la Industria del Cannabis Medicinal y el Cáñamo Industrial' (Regulatory Framework for the Development of the Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Industry), marks a significant step forward in positioning Argentina as a leader in the hemp industry.
Enacted on 4 August 2023, the law has as its primary objective the creation of a complete national supply chain for the production and export of cannabis plants, seeds and derived products (such as hemp textiles), intended for both medicinal and industrial applications. This forward-looking legislation aims not only to support the production of medicinal substances, but also to promote the industrial use of hemp.
More opportunities for practitioners
Maximiliano Barnoff, Head of Innovation & New Business at Industrial Hemp Solution, an innovative company with a vision to turn hemp into a leading crop in the South American economy, shared with us his views and future developments of the Argentinian hemp industry:
"Basically, the recent publication of the legislation on the hemp industry opens the loops to operate within the industry, so that production can begin and not be limited exclusively to research and development processes, which is what we have been doing for the past few years.
Thanks to this work, we have already identified the hemp varieties that work best in different latitudes, not only in Argentina, but also in Uruguay and Paraguay.
In the case of the food industry, we identified optimal yields in Henola, a variety from the Polish Hemp Program. As for the textile industry, one of the best results was obtained with Bialobrzeskie, also from Poland. If we consider other locations, we can also find quite good yields in Chinese, French and Italian varieties. However, crop management after harvest is just as important as the variety yield, if not more so'.
Argentina's strategic advantages, including strong scientific and technological capabilities in agriculture and industry, together with favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil, make the country a prime candidate to exploit the potential of the hemp market. The law recognises these characteristics and seeks to encourage local production and industrialisation, under the watchful eye of the state. This strategic move is expected to create a ripple effect, generating high-quality job opportunities and ensuring the availability of superior hemp products with stringent quality controls.
A key aspect of this law is the establishment of the AGENCIA REGULATORIA DE LA INDUSTRIA DEL CÁÑAMO Y DEL CANNABIS MEDICINAL (ARICCAME), in charge of regulating various aspects such as the importation, exportation, cultivation, industrial production, marketing and acquisition of cannabis seeds, cannabis and cannabis products for medical or industrial purposes. This influential agency is set to play a key role in shaping a well-defined landscape for the hemp industry, ensuring adherence to transparent guidelines and uncompromising quality standards.
The law introduces a noteworthy inclusion, highlighting industrial hemp (Cáñamo Industrial) as a non-psychoactive variety with immense industrial potential. While psychoactive cannabis varieties are subject to strict controls, the law explicitly recognises the industrial promise of industrial hemp, actively encouraging its production and use for industrial purposes. This provision may open avenues for the development of innovative and sustainable textile products.
The meticulous regulatory framework also introduces a simplified system, known as the 'VENTANILLA ÚNICA PARA LA INDUSTRIA DEL CÁÑAMO Y EL CANNABIS MEDICINAL' (Single Hub for the Hemp and Medical Cannabis Industry), aimed at simplifying the procedures related to the necessary authorisations, licences and certifications.
Enormous potential for the textile hemp sector
The result of a legislative consensus, this law marks a significant step towards the legalisation and legitimisation of medicinal and industrial applications of hemp in Argentina. The nation is showing that it is ready to embrace the economic and sustainable potential of this versatile plant. This includes its application in the textile sector, where hemp fibres are valued for their durability, breathability and environmentally friendly nature. Although Argentina's hemp textile sector is still in a nascent stage, the passing of this law opens the door to opportunities for growth and innovation. By embracing hemp textiles, Argentina is opening the door to a sustainable textile revolution that aligns with global trends towards ecological practices.
Argentina's foundation for an emerging textile sector promises a lasting impact on both the industry and the national economy. Decree 405/2023 marks a crucial moment in the country's history, ushering in new perspectives and innovations in the hemp textile sector, propelling Argentina onto the global stage as a competitor in the hemp textile revolution.
Thanks to Industrial Hemp Solutions and Maximiliano Baranoff for sharing first-hand news from Argentina! We look forward to the development of the hemp textile sector in Argentina!
References and insights:
Photo:
[F1] Benjamin Rascoe on Unsplash
[F2] Adobe
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Translated with Linguana