Hemp cultivation in Sweden continues to grow strongly. According to preliminary acreage statistics, the total area of industrial hemp increased from 883 hectares in 2025 to 1,740 hectares in 2026 – the largest area since cultivation became legal in 2003. Most of the production is located in Skåne County, where the climate and soil conditions are particularly favourable for the crop.
This increase means that Swedish hemp cultivation has almost doubled in just one year. It marks a clear upward trend for a crop that has long played a limited but stable role in Swedish agriculture. The development shows that more and more farmers are seeing the potential of industrial hemp as an option in crop rotation systems.
Demand for bio-based raw materials
Demand for bio-based raw materials is an important driver behind the expansion. Industrial hemp is currently used in the construction industry for insulation and hempcrete, in textile production, as animal bedding, and in fibre-based products, as well as for food applications where seeds are processed into oils and protein-rich ingredients.
The wide range of uses makes the crop attractive at a time when several industries are seeking more sustainable and climate-friendly alternatives.
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Agronomic advantages of hemp cultivation
Hemp has several properties that make it attractive to farmers: it grows quickly, competes effectively with weeds, and requires relatively low use of plant protection products, contributing to lower input costs and positive environmental impact. In addition, the crop can improve soil structure when included in crop rotations.
Hemp cultivation in Sweden is limited to approved EU varieties of industrial hemp with very low THC levels, which distinguishes it from narcotic cannabis. To cultivate hemp, farmers must apply for farm support from the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) and use approved EU-certified varieties.
Part of a European trend
The rapid increase also reflects a broader European trend where the industrial hemp sector is expanding. Within the EU, hemp cultivation has increased to over 33,000 hectares, showing growing interest in the crop as a sustainable raw material with multiple applications.
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