Honduras is moving to establish a framework for industrial hemp in order to catchup with other Central American countries.
Stakeholders and government officials explored the promise for hemp late last month at a first-ever symposium that looked at the crop’s potential to lift up vulnerable populations, spur the development of cooperatives, and support businesses.
The country has been slow to develop a hemp program compared to the likes of Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala. The Southern Chamber of Commerce and Industries has estimated cannabis in Honduras could become a $3 billion market which is roughly equivalent to 11% of the country’s GDP.
Honduran hemp advocates have said the country needs to first draft amendments and clarifications in drug laws, then put in place legislation that sanctions cultivation and production and sets rules for such things as farming, storage, transportation, processing, marketing, imports and exports.
Development of a hemp agriculture sector in Honduras could also be challenged by a general shortage of farm workers, a topic that was addressed in October when Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller met with a group of Honduran politicians to establish a dialogue regarding the creation of farm jobs in Honduras – with the companion aim of reducing illegal migration into the United States.
“Honduran officials have made it clear that they have a shortage of agricultural workers due to migration into the United States. They need new opportunities to attract and keep a solid agricultural workforce. One thing we all agreed upon is that hemp may provide a much-needed solution,” Miller said.
Miller told the Honduran officials that a strong hemp sector could stimulate the overall economy, which will encourage Hondurans and their families to remain in their home country.
Sourced from: Hemp Today
