According to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), German hemp cultivation rose 17% to 6,444 hectares in 2021, while the number of growing businesses increased 20% to 863. The original article also gave an approximate figure of 16,000 decares alongside the hectare total.
Lower Saxony led the states that year with 1,555 hectares and 173 growers. The original report placed approximately 3,800 decares alongside that figure.
Germany is a major seed producer, but seed oil demand from food, health and cosmetics means it must also import seeds.
Despite rapid growth, little hemp was grown for CBD that year, and cultivation remained marginal.
Hemp's small carbon footprint attracted various sectors. Increased loans and incentives for German growers also supported rapid expansion.
Since 1996, Germany had permitted hemp below 0.2% THC under the rules described. Farmers had to notify BLE when flowering began and could harvest only after testing and approval.
