Growing Industrial Hemp in Ukraine: New Rules, Profitability, and Export

In February 2026, the Ukrainian agricultural sector is experiencing a true boom thanks to industrial hemp. Following the update of legislation and the implementation of an electronic registry, this crop has become one of the most profitable for farmers, leaving behind its status as a “protected exotic” and paving the way for rapid growth in planted areas.

This is reported by AgroReview

The Electronic Registry Simplifies the Planting of Industrial Hemp

The main change of the season is the cancellation of special licenses for growing industrial hemp varieties with a THC content of up to 0.3%. Now, instead of a lengthy process of obtaining permits from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health, agricultural producers only need to enter information about the area of cultivation and the origin of the seeds into a single online platform. This has significantly simplified administrative procedures for farmers and has contributed to a growing interest in this crop.

Thanks to the easing of conditions, the projected areas for hemp in 2026 have tripled compared to the previous season. Farmers see this crop as an effective tool for diversification — especially relevant in light of price fluctuations in traditional crops such as corn and sunflower.

Industrial Hemp: Maximum Profitability and Export Potential

Industrial hemp is a unique crop with a zero-waste cycle — every part of the plant has its commercial value. In 2026, the profitability of growing this crop depends on the level of processing:

1. Seeds and Oil: The simplest way to market, providing up to $700–900 net profit per hectare.
2. Fiber (Hurd): Used in the production of textiles and building materials, such as concrete. With primary processing, profits can reach $1800–2000 per hectare.
3. Deep Processing: The production of cellulose or bioplastics allows for record incomes, unavailable to most other agricultural crops.

The European market is rapidly growing in the segment of eco-friendly materials, creating high demand for hemp fiber. Ukrainian producers, thanks to fertile soils and a favorable climate, can offer higher quality raw materials at competitive prices, outpacing European players.

Important: Industrial hemp is an ideal precursor in crop rotation, as it naturally suppresses weeds and rejuvenates the soil from pests, allowing for significant savings on herbicides in the following season.