Criticism from France of Textile Exchange hemp report
The main representative body of growers of hemp fibre in France, InterChanvre, has responded to criticism of the sector that non-profit group Textile Exchange published in July.
In a report called ‘Growing hemp for the future’, Textile Exchange said the hemp sector should improve traceability, avoid hazardous pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, and achieve certification from organic and regenerative standards bodies to provide what it called “a chain of custody from field to finished product”.
In response, InterChanvre said Textile Exchange was right to recognise hemp as an available sustainable source of textile fibres. But it said the lack of consultation in putting the report together was regrettable.
“Hemp has historically been grown without the use of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides, and still is today,” it went on. “And in France, it is also grown without irrigation.” It said the work of 1,600 French hemp growers confirmed this.
InterChanvre said it wanted to “assert unconditionally” that no grower in France uses phytosanitary products in the cultivation of hemp. It added: “It’s a pity that the report suggests that hemp without pesticides or irrigation almost belongs to the past when this is the cornerstone of French hemp production today.”
It said the French hemp industry’s efforts to keep improving its environmental performance continued.
It asked to be included in any updates or future reports and said it was at Textile Exchange’s disposal for consultation on the work that French growers carry out.
