Hemp can revitalize the interior quickly and sustainably

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) organized, at its headquarters in Geneva, on 18 January, the first workshop on the industrial use of hemp. The event was an important milestone, as it brought together specialists from all over the world to discuss the plant's potential to reinvigorate the global economy and, especially, the local one.

As someone who was present at this event, it was inspiring to watch the experts' presentations on the possibilities that hemp can bring to our country, in particular to the countryside. UNCTAD recently published a report entitled “Commodities at a Glance: Special Issue on Industrial Hemp”, which provides an in-depth look at the global hemp market and its opportunities.

For many of us, the word hemp can conjure up images of illicit drugs. But in fact, hemp is a legal agricultural crop in many countries, including Portugal. Its versatility makes it a promising option for the industrial sector. The plant can be used to produce products as diverse as textiles, food, biofuels and building materials, to name just a few examples.

Hemp production can be a way to revitalize these regions, generating jobs and wealth in a sustainable way.

But the great advantage of hemp is its ability to grow in places with poor soils, needing little water resources and almost no pesticides. These characteristics elect hemp as an ideal candidate for the interior of Portugal, where many areas suffer from abandonment and lack of investment. Hemp production can be a way to revitalize these regions, generating jobs and wealth in a sustainable way.

Furthermore, hemp production can play an important role in combating climate change. During its growth, it has positive externalities for the environment, due to its carbon sequestration power. At the same time, products made from hemp are more environmentally friendly than many conventional alternatives and can help reduce the ecological footprint of different sectors.

With hemp production, we can quickly and sustainably invigorate the interior of Portugal, generating jobs, wealth and protecting the environment.

I believe this is a crucial moment to invest in the development of the hemp industry in Portugal. UNCTAD has already highlighted the enormous potential of the global hemp market and it is important that the country is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise. Furthermore, hemp can play an important role in the fight against climate change, something we can all unite in support of.

With hemp production, we can quickly and sustainably invigorate the interior of Portugal, generating jobs, wealth and protecting the environment. It's time to look to the future and invest in a sector that can bring many benefits to our country.

I hope my message can inspire others to the potential of hemp as a development opportunity for Portugal.

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Leonardo Rodrigues Sousa is a young Portuguese entrepreneur, born in Castelo Branco, Portugal, on July 10, 1993, and founder and CEO of Lynx – Hemp Products LDA, a hemp-based organic products company, founded in 2021, which became a great success in Portugal. With an entrepreneurial vision and leadership spirit, Leonardo guides Lynx – Hemp Products Lda. on a path of growth and success. Under his leadership and perseverance, the company has rapidly gained space in the hemp market in Portugal. Outside of work, Leonardo is an advocate for sustainability and the environment, using his social media to share his passion for hemp and his commitment to sustainability.