Opportunities for Hemp

On December 4th, a technical conference takes place in Belluno as part of the Interreg project “SPARE,” dedicated to the role of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) in the economic cycles of the future.

The event brings together researchers, institutional representatives, and companies from Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tyrol, and Carinthia. The initiative highlights the growing interest in hemp as a strategic resource for innovative, local value chains in the Alpine region.

The session opens with the presentation of the SPARE project, explaining its goals and results achieved so far in promoting the circular economy through an innovative and integrated use of hemp. A central part of the afternoon is the direct comparison of different experiences in the Italian and Austrian regions. Building on this, a cross-border “roadmap” for creating new, circular supply chains is presented, shedding light on opportunities, critical issues, and development prospects. This future-oriented view is complemented by a historical overview of traditional hemp uses—such as in textiles or food—to better understand the plant’s modern potential. In the moderated “Hemp Talks,” speakers and participants discuss the industry’s challenges directly. A concluding networking aperitif offers space to deepen ideas and initiate future collaborations.