Bast crops (flax, nettle, hemp) form an integral part of the Lithuanian culture with underlying deep traditions. From the ancient times they were used for weaving and food; songs were sung and folk tales were told about them.Aiming to return hemp to the Lithuanian national heritage and to revive the forgotten tradition (to sow, to reap, to make fiber, to spin, to weave and to extract oil from seeds – everything by hand) a field of hemp had been sown by hand, first time after the restoration of Lithuanian independence in 1990.
Cordage (string, cord, rope) is a resource taken for granted today. However, to produce cordage in the field from natural fibres can take a significant amount of time (especially long lengths of thin strong cord). There are two main methods of producing a cord: twisting and plaiting.
Baltic Bast Crops Growers’ and Producers’ Association – BBCGPA
Bast crops – (definition): flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).
The aim of the Association is to bring together farmers, scientists, industry and business representatives in making the full use of the innovative farming, production and business opportunities offered by these crops.
Main principles:
NATURE –HEALTH– SUSTAINABILITY: both, for people and the environment RESEARCH–KNOWLEDGE– EXPERIENCE: scientific research, green technologies
