Last month, we had a conversation with Alexander Mann, who is the founder of Smart Grow Agritech LLC and also serves as the director of Proof of ESG. During the discussion, he introduced us to his industrial hemp project and spoke passionately about the use of industrial hemp in ESG and sustainability initiatives. We invite you to join us as we learn more about this incredible plant and why it's essential for saving the planet.

Q: Alexander, can you tell us about the role of industrial hemp in ESG and sustainability efforts?

A: As a plant-based material, industrial hemp has a lower environmental impact than many traditional materials such as cotton or synthetic fibers. Additionally, hemp requires less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to grow than other crops and has a shorter growth cycle. The fibrous stalk of the industrial hemp variety can be used for many industrial applications, including building materials, textiles, and bioplastics, which can help reduce waste and carbon emissions in various industries. Industrial hemp can even be used to create biodegradable plastics, which can help reduce plastic pollution in oceans and landfills. One of the most remarkable benefits of industrial hemp is its ability to remediate soil contaminated with heavy metals, glyphosate, pfas, and pfoas. This crop can help pull the bad out of the soil while contributing to the good and is a simple solution that checks a lot of boxes.

Q: How can industrial hemp be used as an alternative to deforestation?

A: With a fast-growing season, industrial hemp can provide an alternative to cutting down trees and significantly reduce the pressure on our forests. The fiber from industrial hemp is strong and can be used to make sustainable and eco-friendly building materials such as hempcrete, which can lower carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete. Industrial hemp can also be used to make paper, which can help reduce the number of trees that are cut down.

Q: How do you see the future of industrial hemp and ESG?

A: Industrial hemp has the potential to be a game-changer in ESG and sustainability efforts. By creating jobs, and manufacturing green sustainable building materials, textiles, and bioplastics, we can benefit both the community and the environment. Industrial hemp can also be used for phytoremediation, which is the process of using plants to remove pollutants from soil and water. By utilizing industrial hemp, we can reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and preserve our environment.

Q: Can you talk about your partnership with Smart Ledger and Pure Shenandoah?

A: Smart Ledger and Pure Shenandoah are providing the industrial hemp fiber fields for our hemp carbon project. We are excited to partner with them and utilize industrial hemp to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability efforts.

Q: How does the hemp carbon project utilize blockchain technology?

A: The hemp carbon project uses blockchain technology to issue smart contracts for carbon offsets. By flying drones over the area, we count the trees and issue contracts on the BSV blockchain for the permanence of the forest. The offsets are tied back to the original smart contract and drone scan, ensuring authenticity and preventing fraud. We can also use blockchain technology to ensure that the benefits of industrial hemp are realized and that we are making a positive impact on our world.

Q: What are your plans for the future of the hemp carbon project?

A: By next year, our goal is to roll out the hemp carbon project and open it up to forestry projects and initiatives as well as general farm initiatives issuing offsets on common cash crops like corn and soy. We hope to expand the platform and work towards a more sustainable future.