Agricultural System Resilience of Industrial Hemp: An Exploratory Value Web Analysis in the Swabian Alb

Abstract

Increasing demand for multiuse crops in the bioeconomy highlights the potential of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). However, its regional implementation, particularly in Southern Germany, remains limited. This study examines the industrial hemp value web in the Swabian Alb, assessing its agricultural system resilience through a comprehensive framework of 65 indicators encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Data were collected through 19 in-depth stakeholder interviews (representing a 76% response rate), elucidating value web dynamics and deconstructing the systemic barriers–regulatory, infrastructural, and economic–that inhibit hemp's full potential. The Swabian Alb, characterised by strong research networks and sustainability awareness, exhibited a volatile hemp cultivation area, decreasing by 56.9% to 25 ha in 2024 compared to 2023. Results reveal a sharp divergence in performance: while hemp provides significant public goods through soil improvement and biodiversity support (e.g., pollen provision and insect habitat), it performs poorly in private goods due to high labour intensity, financial risk, and low revenue. The study identifies a critical infrastructural gap in regional fibre processing and a market frustrated by niche demand. We conclude that sustainable development requires shifting the narrative away from the ‘miracle plant’ myth toward a realistic communication of challenges, supported by targeted policy interventions, consumer education, and secured sales agreements. These findings provide a roadmap for transitioning industrial hemp from a research-driven niche to a resilient bioeconomic staple.