For UK Farmers
A profitable, low-input break crop with designed-in THC compliance. Diversify your rotation and unlock £1,440-6,480/ha gross margins with British-bred hemp genetics.
UK Hemp Farming Quick Facts
Is hemp farming profitable in the UK?
Yes, hemp farming in the UK is highly profitable. UK farmers can achieve gross margins of £1,440–6,480 per hectare from hemp, compared to £400–600/ha for wheat and £350–550/ha for oilseed rape. Precision Plants' gene-edited varieties eliminate the THC compliance risk that has historically destroyed 15–30% of UK hemp crops, making hemp a reliable and lucrative diversification option.
The UK government has committed £912,000 in DEFRA funding to support hemp genetics research, and the Precision Breeding Act 2023 has created a clear regulatory pathway for gene-edited crops in England. — DEFRA Farm Business Survey 2024
Why Hemp? Why Now?
The UK hemp market is ready. Processing capacity is expanding. Government policy supports diversification. The only thing missing was reliable, compliant genetics — until now.
Growing UK Markets
Hempcrete construction, textile manufacturing, and food processing are all expanding in the UK with strong demand for British-grown hemp.
Premium Returns
Hemp delivers £1,440-6,480 gross margin per hectare - significantly outperforming wheat (£400-600/ha, DEFRA 2024) and oilseed rape (£350-550/ha, AHDB 2025).
Environmental Payments
Hemp qualifies for SFI payments, carbon credits, and biodiversity schemes. Stack environmental income on top of crop revenue.
Compliance Solved
Precision Plants varieties are designed to eliminate THC compliance risk - the #1 barrier to UK hemp adoption. Currently in laboratory development.
THC Compliance: The #1 Barrier to UK Hemp
You've heard the horror stories: crops destroyed, seasons lost, no insurance payout. 15-30% of UK hemp crops exceed the 0.2% THC limit using current EU varieties, triggered by heat stress, drought, or simply genetic instability.
Precision Plants' Stackatrait™ Technology uses precision gene editing (multiple precision trait modifications per variety) to disable the THC biosynthesis pathway via proprietary cannabinoid modification. Our varieties aredesigned to be incapable of exceeding legal limits, regardless of weather, stress, or growing conditions. They are currently in laboratory development.
Hemp field at optimal growth stage - dense canopy provides natural weed suppression
Financial Returns Per Hectare
Hemp delivers 3.5-11x the gross margin of conventional combinable crops. These figures are based on current UK market prices and realistic yield expectations.
| Variety | Yield Range | Price Range | Gross Revenue | Variable Costs | Gross Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BritGrain Auto™ | 1.8-2.4 t/ha | £1,200-1,800/t | £2,160-4,320 | £380-450 | £1,440-4,350 |
| LongLine Fibre™ | 8-12 t/ha (straw) | £180-280/t + fibre premiums | £2,730-6,830 | £350-420 | £2,380-6,480 |
| YieldMax Duo™ | 0.8-1.2 t/ha + 6-8 t/ha | Grain + Fibre + Carbon | £2,200-5,030 | £430-590 | £1,927-5,327 |
Comparison with Conventional Crops
*Estimates based on 2024-2025 UK market prices. Actual returns depend on variety, yield achieved, market conditions, and forward contracts. Sources: DEFRA Chapter 7 Crops 2024 | AHDB Harvest 2025 Gross Margins | Precision Plants analysis.
Variable Costs Breakdown
Hemp is a low-input crop. No pesticides, minimal fertiliser, and standard cultivation equipment. Total variable costs of £380-513/ha compare favourably to wheat (£450-550/ha) and OSR (£500-650/ha).
Higher than cereals but offset by zero pesticide costs
Lower N requirement than wheat; 60-90 kg N/ha typical
Standard seedbed preparation
Conventional drill; 2-4cm depth
Combine (grain) or dual-pass (fibre); 90-98% efficiency
Why Hemp is Low-Input
Rotation Benefits
Hemp isn't just profitable on its own - it improves your entire rotation. The deep tap root system, dense canopy, and organic matter addition benefit following crops for years.
Research shows: Wheat yields typically increase by 10-15% when following hemp in rotation, due to improved soil structure, reduced disease pressure, and enhanced nutrient availability. View our field trial data →
Hemp Licensing: A Simple Guide
Growing hemp in the UK requires a Home Office licence. The process is straightforward - here's what you need to know. Read our complete hemp licence guide or view regional licensing requirements →
Apply to Home Office
Submit application via GOV.UK portal. Include farm address, proposed hectarage, and intended end use.
DBS Check
Basic criminal record check required for all applicants. Apply through DBS online service.
Licence Issued
Licence valid for 6 years (from 2026 season). Covers cultivation, transport, and storage of hemp.
Notify Planting
Inform Home Office of planting dates, field locations (OS grid references), and varieties used.
Key Requirements
- Use only EU Common Catalogue approved varieties (or Precision Plants varieties once certified)
- THC content must not exceed 0.2% (our varieties are designed to guarantee <0.01%)
- Retain seed labels and purchase invoices for the duration of your licence
- Allow Home Office inspections if requested
Licence Costs
Source: GOV.UK Industrial Hemp Licensing | Hemp Licensing Factsheet
Choose Your Variety
Three varieties designed for different farm needs and market opportunities - all with guaranteed THC compliance
Where to Sell Your Hemp
The UK hemp processing sector is expanding rapidly. Multiple buyers are actively seeking British-grown hemp.
Construction
Hempcrete manufacturers, insulation producers
Strong growth - UK hempcrete market expanding 25%+ annually
Food & Feed
Oil pressers, food manufacturers, animal feed mills
Established market - hemp seed oil and protein in high demand
Textiles
Fibre processors, textile mills, composite manufacturers
Emerging market - sustainable fibre demand growing rapidly
Precision Plants is building a network of verified buyers and processors. Farm trial participants will have priority access to our buyer network.
When Can You Get Seed?
Our pathway from research validation to commercial seed availability
Lab Development
Three gene-edited varieties with Stackatrait™ technology undergoing final laboratory validation and characterisation
Rothamsted EU Trials
International hemp variety evaluation programme at UK's premier agricultural research institute
Rothamsted Comparison Trials
Rigorous scientific validation against industry standards at Rothamsted Research
Farm Trials
On-farm trials with select UK farmers - FREE SEED and full agronomic support provided
Seed Multiplication
Scaling certified seed production to commercial volumes across UK facilities
Commercial Launch
Certified seed available to all licensed UK farmers nationwide
Early Access: Farm Trial Programme (2028+)
We're selecting UK farmers to participate in on-farm trials. This is your opportunity to be among the first to grow Precision Plants varieties - with free seed and full agronomic support.
What You Get
- Free certified seed (no cost to farmer)
- Full agronomic support from Precision Plants team
- Priority access to commercial seed allocation
- Contribution to UK agricultural innovation
- Potential for ongoing research partnership
Who We're Looking For
- Farms across diverse UK regions (priority for underrepresented areas)
- Mix of farm sizes and soil types
- Existing hemp licence holders (or willingness to apply)
- Commitment to data collection and feedback