PROJECTS

FRAMEWORK AND MAIN OBJECTIVES
The HEMPVALUE project aims to boost the bioeconomy and circularity in the Central Portugal–Extremadura–Alentejo region by introducing hemp as an innovative crop. The aim is to diversify agricultural production in irrigated systems, improve soil health, reduce inputs and CO2 emissions, and offer a sustainable alternative that contributes to more resilient and competitive rural communities.

Furthermore, the project lays the foundations for the comprehensive processing of hemp, utilising both the seed and the stalk. From the seed and its derivatives, food products for human and animal consumption will be developed, whilst the stalk will be used for multiple industrial applications, such as packaging, filaments for 3D printing, bioplastics, biomass pellets and reinforced asphalt materials. Through agronomic research and cooperation between organisations, a cross-border innovation ecosystem will be promoted to strengthen business competitiveness in the EUROACE region.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND EXPECTED RESULTS
The HEMPVALUE project has a total duration of 36 months, and the work is expected to be carried out according to the following structure:

ACTIVITY 1 – Evaluation of different hemp varieties in southwestern Iberia for fibre and seed production
The purpose of this activity is to conduct a detailed study on hemp cultivation. We will begin with a comprehensive analysis of its current status in the European Union and continue by evaluating its agronomy, as well as fibre and seed production under the conditions of southwestern Iberia. The aim of implementing this crop is to offer an alternative to traditional crops and open up new possibilities for crop rotation.

The actions that take place in this activity are the following:
Action 1.1 - Current situation of industrial hemp cultivation in Europe.
Action 1.2 - Field trials for the study of different varieties of industrial hemp for fiber and seed production.
Action 1.3 - Analytical control of industrial hemp. Agronomic parameters.

ACTIVITY 2 – Utilization of the polymeric nature of hemp in different industrial sectors
The objective of this activity is to take advantage of the polymeric nature of hemp to develop innovative and sustainable solutions in various industrial sectors with the aim of reducing dependence on petroleum-derived materials, promoting the circular economy and decreasing environmental impact by creating more sustainable and high-performance products.

The actions that take place in this activity are the following:
Action 2.1 - Obtaining, preparing and conditioning hemp fibre for use in the production of biomaterials and bioplastics.
Action 2.2 - Obtaining biomaterials for use in the packaging and 3D printing sector.
Action 2.3 - Manufacture of asphalt materials reinforced with hemp fibre.

ACTIVITY 3 – Development of new sustainable foods based on hemp stems, seeds and their derivatives. Human and animal feed
The objective is to demonstrate the potential use of hemp cultivation as a sustainable source of fat, vegetable protein and fibre for the development of nutritious and healthy foods and ingredients for human consumption and animal feed.

The actions that take place in this activity are the following:
Action 3.1 - Development of new foods with hemp seeds and their derivatives as a new sustainable source of nutrients in human nutrition
Action 3.2 - New ingredients from hemp seeds and stems as potential alternative ingredients in animal feed.

ACTIVITY 4 – Energy recovery from by-products generated in the obtaining of hemp fibres
The objective of this activity is to valorise the energy from byproducts of hemp fibre production, optimizing the use of these residues. To this end, hemp powder will be characterized and its pelleting feasibility assessed. The physicochemical and energy properties of the pellets will be evaluated, as well as the environmental impact of their combustion. Furthermore, the feasibility of anaerobic digestion of hemp powder for the production of biogas and biofertilizer will be analysed.

The actions that take place in this activity are the following:
Action 4.1 - Characterization and pelletizing of the powder derived from the extraction of the fiber.
Action 4.2 - Characterization of hemp pellets for use as biofuel
Action 4.3 - Obtaining biogas from the dust derived from the transformation of the stems

ACTIVITY 5 - Coordination
Project management activity.

ACTIVITY 6 - Visibility, transparency and communication
Activity dedicated to communicating the results.