Project Title: Diversification of Hemp Products and Contribution to Rural Economy at a Local Scale

NOTE: We are extending an invitation to interested organizations to join us either as coordinators or partners in this endeavor.

Objective: To contribute economically through products derived from hemp.

Goals:
Diversification of hemp products in collaboration with the industrial sector.
Development of hemp products tailored to consumer needs.
Contribution to the sustainability of hemp farming by considering the expectations of hemp producers.

SUMMARY
Hemp and the hemp industry are versatile in their use, compatible with nature in rural and manufacturing industries, and can potentially help reduce climate change, in line with the EU's Green Deal. Being a zero-waste plant due to the usability of all its parts, hemp has been a traditional nutritious food source in Europe for centuries. Many hemp-based products are found in the food sector, particularly in baked goods where hemp seeds, hemp flour, and hemp oil are used. It is also a valuable feed source, suitable for inclusion in rations. Additionally, hemp by-products such as meal are used in fish feed, poultry feed, and as feed for domestic pets like cats and dogs.

One of the significant products derived from the hemp plant is fibers obtained from its stalks. Hemp fibers are used in various fields such as textiles, various woven products, packaging materials, yarn, and home textile products. Another sector where various parts of hemp, including its stalk, fiber, and shive, are utilized is the construction industry. Insulation materials for both interior and exterior applications, bricks, and briquettes can be produced using hemp. In recent years, there has been a growing trend worldwide in producing these products with hemp additives. Another significant and profitable sector where hemp is utilized is the pharmaceutical industry. Drugs produced using cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBG, and CBDA extracted from hemp leaves and flowers are used for therapeutic purposes. Another sector contributing to the economy where hemp is used is the sector of disinfectants, soaps, shampoos, and other cleansers.

The hemp plant, grown in countries with limited cultivation areas like Turkey, is a valuable eco-friendly plant with the potential to contribute significantly to rural economic development in terms of industry and employment through sustainable production practices that positively impact its ecology. In this context, maximizing the utilization of the hemp plant can be seen as an economic opportunity. Therefore, in the planned project, collaboration with the sector aims to actively utilize the hemp plant in line with the demands of the industry, producers, and consumers.

Assoc. Prof. Yusuf ŞAVŞATLI
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops

I am attaching CVs of some of the academics from our institution who could potentially be part of the project team. You can access the CVs through the following links:

Doc. Dr. Hatice Filiz Boyacı (https://avesis.erdogan.edu.tr/haticefiliz.boyaci)
Dr. Önder Albayrak (https://avesis.erdogan.edu.tr/onder.albayrak)
Dr. Kevser Çoğalmış (https://avesis.erdogan.edu.tr/kevser.cogalmis)
Doc. Dr. Murat Tören (https://avesis.erdogan.edu.tr/murat.toren)
Prof. Dr. Turan Yüksek (https://avesis.erdogan.edu.tr/turan.yuksek)