COP29, Hemp and Article 6.4: Who now needs to step up and why?

COP29’s recent adoption of Article 6.4 is a landmark moment for global carbon markets. It establishes a framework for trading carbon credits internationally, opening the door for nature-based solutions like hemp – and specifically hemp biochar – to play a pivotal role in decarbonisation. But for hemp, this is not just an opportunity — it’s a test.

Hemp is a carbon removal powerhouse. As is often quoted, a hectare of hemp absorbs 8 to 15 tonnes of CO2 — outperforming mature forests — and when processed into biochar, that carbon is locked away arguably for centuries. It also regenerates soils, boosts water retention, and reduces fertiliser dependence. The benefits are clear. But benefits alone won’t get and keep hemp biochar into the game.

So who now needs to step up — and why?

1. Hemp Industry Leaders
The hemp industry must unite to develop globally accepted standards for measuring and verifying hemp biochar’s carbon removal benefits. Without this, hemp risks exclusion from Article 6.4’s frameworks, which demand credibility and scalability. Collaboration with certification bodies like Verra is essential to demonstrate hemp’s potential in carbon markets.

2. Policymakers
Governments need to integrate hemp biochar into decarbonisation strategies by creating incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and supportive legislation. In the UK, reforms like addressing the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) could unlock the investment needed to scale hemp projects, creating jobs and driving rural economic growth.

3. Investors
Biochar-based carbon credits already trade at a premium, and hemp biochar offers added benefits like soil regeneration and biodiversity. Strategic investment now could position forward-thinking investors at the forefront of this high-impact, high-value market.

4. Corporates
Hemp biochar aligns with net-zero goals and ESG commitments, offering a credible carbon removal tool with co-benefits for soil health and productivity. Early adopters can lead in sustainable innovation and strengthen their climate credentials.

The time to act is now

Article 6.4 has laid the foundation, but the hemp industry must step up to ensure industrial hemp and hemp biochar isn’t sidelined in favour of more established technologies. Hemp has the potential to become a cornerstone of the carbon economy — but only if we prove its value, advocate for its inclusion, and build the infrastructure to support its adoption.

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