Margent Farm - The things I learnt from visiting a hemp farm in Cambridgeshire.
On a very sunny but chilly Saturday morning I had the pleasure of visiting Margent Farm, a Hemp farm located in Cambridgeshire in the UK. Margent Farm opens up their farm and family home a few times a year for visitors. It was well worth the trip, to explore the farm, try bread dipped in hemp oil and I learn a few unexpected things about Hemp and the challenges faced by those farming it.
The farm is owned by Steve Barron and his family. Steve is an internationally acclaimed film director turned hemp farmer and his passion for the farm is clear to see. He told the group his motives for starting the farm were sparked by the birth of his grandchildren and wanting to leave the world in a better place than he found it.
Margent Farm has become an experimental and collaborative space, where Steve works closely with universities, researchers, farmers and manufacturers to explore what can be achieved with this amazing fibre.
What is hemp fibre and how can it be used?
Hemp is a bit of a wonder plant. The fibre derived from hemp is incredibly versatile. It can be used in textiles, construction materials, biodegradable plastics, and even as a source of biofuel. Its strength, durability, and sustainability make it an attractive alternative to many conventional materials.
In textiles, hemp fibre is used to make clothing, rope, and various industrial products. In construction, it can be transformed into hempcrete, a lightweight and sustainable building material that provides excellent insulation. The plant itself is also beneficial to the environment, as it grows quickly, requires minimal pesticides, and can improve soil health.
The Challenges
Hemp is highly regulated in the UK, and anyone wanting to farm it needs to apply for a license from the UK government that will last for three growing seasons. The license is issued by the Home Office drugs licensing department and only covers the seed and fibre of the plant. The license costs around £600, so not a huge amount, but still makes the growing of hemp less attractive to farmers who may be considering it.
One of the key challenges is the stigma associated with hemp due to its relation to cannabis. Although industrial hemp contains very low levels of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis), there is still a lot of misunderstanding and skepticism about its cultivation.
Additionally, the infrastructure for processing hemp is not as developed as it is for other crops. Farmers need access to specialized equipment and facilities to turn hemp into usable products, which can be a significant investment.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of hemp farming are immense. It offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to many traditional crops and materials. Steve Barron and his team at Margent Farm are pioneering efforts to showcase these benefits and to make hemp farming a more viable option in the UK.
The Future of Hemp Farming
The future of hemp farming in the UK looks promising, thanks to the efforts of innovative farms like Margent Farm. By collaborating with researchers and other stakeholders, they are pushing the boundaries of what hemp can do and demonstrating its potential to revolutionize various industries.
If you ever get the chance to visit Margent Farm, I highly recommend it. Not only will you get to experience the beauty of the farm and learn about hemp, but you'll also be supporting a movement towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
In conclusion, my visit to Margent Farm was both educational and inspiring. It's clear that with the right support and investment, hemp can play a significant role in creating a more sustainable world. Thank you to Steve Barron and his family for opening up their farm and sharing their knowledge and passion for hemp with us.