20 years ago, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was memorable for its landmark agreements to guide sustainable development worldwide. The first principle states: “Human beings are at the centre of concern for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.” And yet today, we still cannot deliver on this fundamental principle since there are approximately 925 million people suffering from hunger. How senseless in a world that already produces enough food to feed everyone yet ironically, hundreds of millions more suffer from obesity and related medical problems.

According to estimates compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), by 2050 we will need to produce 60 per cent more food to feed the world. Doing this with traditional farming methods would take a massive toll on our natural resources. Healthy, sustainable, and affordable protein is critical to human nutrition and economic development. Yet research shows it will be impossible for a global population of ten billion, (a figure expected around 2050), to consume the amount and type of protein typical of current diets in North America and Europe.

From both a financial and a sustainable perspective, we cannot afford to have ten billion people on an animal protein rich diet. It takes 1,500 litres of water to produce a kilogram of cereal and a startling 15,000 litres to produce one kilogram of meat.

Hemp Seed - the healthy and sustainable protein that could help feed the world

So, what can be done? Well, we need to find new ways of providing protein for the planet. Alternative proteins, such as plant-based “meat”, edible insects, lab-grown meats, and other innovative items, have becoming increasingly popular but hemp can go so much further. With an almost perfect balance of omega 3 to omega 6, plus iron, vitamin E, and all of the essential amino acids, hemp seeds are said to be the most nutritionally complete food source in the world. It’s also possible that with time, hemp could meet many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Unlike other crops such as rice and soy, the hemp plant tolerates strong weather conditions and can therefore be grown in many areas of the world, with minimum chemical use. Imagine a future where hemp can feed populations across the world who lack access to nutritious food sources.

Hemp seeds can produce two of our most vital food products – flour and oil. Hemp protein powder is an excellent source of complete protein which naturally contains all the essential amino acids required by the human body. Hemp seeds provide the body with all three Omegas: Omega-3, -6 and -9, plus various vitamins and minerals, including the B group, calcium, iron, and zinc. Three tablespoons of hemp protein powder contain around 90 calories and 3 grams of fat while providing 15 grams of protein. It’s easier to digest than soy and can be milled into flour for baking, or for adding to smoothies, or made into hemp milk as a nutritious dairy alternative.

It’s critical, now more than ever that we pursue more sustainable sources of protein to feed the planet. And while there are many new and exciting alternatives, let’s not forget that Hemp has been one of humanity’s most essential agricultural commodities for thousands of years.

We believe that hemp’s time has come again. So let’s all get on board and be part of the movement.

Be the seed of change!

References:

• https://www.leafie.co.uk/articles/could-hemp-save-planet/
• https://www.embracerelief.org/world-hunger-facts-world-food-shortage-2021/
• https://nzhempbrokers.com/hemp-facts/
• https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/01/how-can-we-produce-enough-protein-to-feed-10-billion-people/
  
• https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/feeding-world-sustainably
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240584402200041X