Manufacturer's requirements for consistent fiber quality provide hemp breeders with additional challenges. One of the true pioneers in this field is the Hempologist, Ivan Bocsa. Bocsa, who has been breeding hemp in Hungary for over 40 years, has developed several varieties of low THC hemp, including Kompolti, which is named after the town he lives in with his wife. Kompolti's inclusion on the European Union's list of certified low THC varieties in December of 1996 means that France's virtual monopoly on the European hemp seed market could be in jeopardy. Bocsa's experience and enthusiasm were evident as he discussed various types of hemp and different breeding techniques with the overawed hempsters.
Hemp seeds are well known within the hemp community as an excellent source of fiber and nutrients.
Nutrient and oil content vary by hemp variety. Several organizations are using gas chromatography to analyze the nutritive qualities of various hemp types. This may result in the identification or breeding of hemp varieties that contain high amounts of essential fatty acids, tocopherols, and protein. His research revealed that the density of the hemp canopy is related to weather conditions, nutrients, and the distance placed between seeds. A canopy with a lower density hastens flowering, which, in turn, stops the vegatative growth cycle thereby decreasing the yield.