Industrial Hemp Returns to Scottish Borders Farms: Pioneering Net Zero Supply Chains
For the first time in decades, farmers in the Scottish Borders are reintroducing industrial hemp as a break crop, marking an exciting step towards decarbonising the agricultural and construction supply chains.
Leading the way, Iain Fullerton recently guided a tour of the first trial crop, showcasing what could soon become a major opportunity for local farmers and the renewable materials sector. Around 60 local farmers and stakeholders from across the South of Scotland and Northern England attended the tour, gaining first-hand insight into the growth and potential of industrial hemp. The trials, run by SAC Consulting (part of Scotland’s Rural College), are a critical step in rebuilding the local supply chain for net zero, renewable resources.
A Historic Crop Makes a Comeback
Industrial hemp has deep roots in Scotland and the UK as a traditional crop, but its cultivation fell sharply during the last century. Today, after a 100-year “oil age” hiatus, hemp is returning as a sustainable, versatile material. At the IndiNature Mill, it is used to produce breathable natural fibre insulation and other bio-based products.
The benefits of industrial hemp extend far beyond construction:
Carbon sequestration: Hemp captures carbon as it grows, which can then be locked into buildings and other long-life applications.
Soil health: Acting as a cover or break crop, hemp enriches the soil for future rotations.
Biodiversity support: Hemp fields provide habitats that promote local ecosystem diversity.
Relearning how to grow this remarkable crop is key to establishing a circular, low-carbon supply chain that benefits farmers, manufacturers, and the environment alike.
From Field to Building: A Net Zero Approach
When transformed into insulation, hemp’s sequestered carbon remains stored throughout the product’s life. Combined with low-energy processing at IndiNature, the result is insulation with a net carbon capture cradle-to-gate, effectively locking carbon into buildings for decades.
IndiNature’s products are circular by design, meaning they can be reprocessed at the end of their life, offering an important carbon buffer and ensuring efficient use of renewable resources. These attributes make industrial hemp an increasingly attractive material for markets moving away from fossil-fuel-intensive alternatives.
Growing Interest and Support
The recent engagement events drew standing-room-only crowds, reflecting significant interest from the farming and agronomy communities. Tours also included local members of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and Scottish Agronomy, highlighting the collaborative effort driving hemp’s resurgence.
Changes in UK legislation and licensing are helping, too, making it easier for farmers to add industrial hemp back into their rotations.
Building on Research
These trials build on the 2022 SAC feasibility study commissioned by IndiNature, with contributions from SAOS and East Yorkshire Hemp. The 2024 study is funded by Scottish Enterprise and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), supported by Hadden Farm, East Yorkshire Hemp, Elsoms Seeds, and IndiNature.
By reconnecting with this historic crop, Scottish Borders farms are helping to pioneer sustainable, circular solutions for the construction sector and beyond — proving that industrial hemp can play a central role in achieving net zero.
