This was announced by First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotskyi, during a briefing.
Industrial hemp plantings to increase up to 5,000 hectares
According to Vysotskyi, the sowing area for industrial hemp in Ukraine may more than double, rising from the current 2,000 hectares to between 3,000 and 5,000 hectares. This increase is attributed to the simplified cultivation rules and the growing demand for hemp-based materials in the light industry and other sectors.
“We have already registered 20 business entities in the new system. The trend is clear — interest is growing, and the area sown will definitely increase,” Vysotskyi noted.
The deregulation applies exclusively to industrial hemp, which has no narcotic properties and is used for the production of textiles, construction materials, biodegradable plastics, and animal feed. It does not include medicinal cannabis.
Launch of the "eKonoplia" System
To support this growth, Ukraine launched the “eKonoplia” electronic registry on January 10, 2025. The system allows producers to register hemp cultivation areas quickly and transparently.
Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval previously emphasized that the "eKonoplia" system is part of a broader strategy to reduce corruption risks, support business development, and restore Ukraine’s leadership in the global industrial hemp sector.
Why the industrial hemp sector is gaining traction
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Low input costs and high sustainability make hemp an attractive crop.
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Ukraine has favorable climatic conditions for large-scale cultivation.
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The global demand for hemp fiber and hemp-based products is steadily rising.
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Industrial hemp contributes to the circular economy, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic materials.
Conclusion
With deregulation and new digital infrastructure in place, Ukraine is poised to reclaim a strong position in the industrial hemp market. The expansion of sown areas and simplified regulatory framework offer new opportunities for domestic farmers, processors, and international investors looking to tap into the booming sustainable materials sector.
