Supply Chain Modelling and Simulation of Hemp Fiber Production in Ireland

Abstract

With the growing concerns of environmental issues and awareness of sustainable materials and energy, industrial hemp has been proposed as one of the strategies to react to the ecological crisis and challenges that are caused by the transition from the original power plant to a sustainable ecosystem in Midland Ireland, with the support Just Transition Funds which the Irish government introduced. Industrial hemp has a wide range of applications and commercial value, and it is a choice that benefits both ecology and the economy in Ireland. However, a very limited focus has been put on hemp fibre production, compared to Cannabidiol-related products. Few studies have established a hemp production and management framework from raw materials to sales. Few studies can provide auxiliary information for the feasibility analysis of growing industrial hemp. This study aims to contribute to the feasibility study of hemp fibre production in Ireland by modelling and simulations of the supply chain of hemp animal bedding in Ireland. This paper establishes the supply chain framework for hemp production. It presents the results of the supply chain simulations in 5 scenarios for hemp animal bedding in Ireland. The supply chain modelling visualizes project structures, provides relevant simulation data results to aid decision-making, and establishes the basis for subsequent models. It is concluded that there is still potential for hemp fibre production, and it is feasible to adapt hemp fibre production in Midland Ireland from both sustainable and economic aspects.