RAK Hemp Variety: Complete Guide for EU Farmers — Yield, Oil Content & EU Certification (2026)
By Sander Kuusk · Updated August 4, 2026
Not just for looks — to give a better sense of how tall the RAK variety hemp plants already were on 18 June in Estonia.
RAK is a new open-pollinated hemp grain variety developed by Verve Seeds Solutions in Canada and registered in the EU catalogue of plant varieties in early 2025. With a growing season of 100–110 days, plant height of 150–180 cm, and oil content of up to 31.7%, RAK is designed for grain-focused farmers in Northern and Central Europe.
Nordic Hemp Cooperation is the sole official distributor of RAK hemp variety planting seeds in the European Union. This season, we are growing RAK on more than 1,000 hectares across Estonia to assess how the variety performs in local climate conditions. This guide covers everything EU farmers need to know: yield data from Canadian field trials, growing requirements, EU certification, and how RAK compares to other varieties.
RAK is a Canadian-bred, EU-approved open-pollinated hemp grain variety (registered 2025). In Canadian multi-location trials it averaged 1,478 kg/ha (114% of the check variety), with individual sites reaching 1,912 kg/ha. It has 31.7% oil content, stands 150–180 cm tall, and matures in 100–110 days. Nordic Hemp is the sole EU distributor.
What is the RAK hemp variety?
RAK is an open-pollinated hemp variety bred by Verve Seeds Solutions in Canada specifically for grain production. Unlike fibre hemp varieties, RAK was developed with large seed size, high oil content, and superior dehulling characteristics as the primary breeding goals.
The variety was released in Canada in 2024 and registered in the EU catalogue of plant varieties in early 2025. It is now available to European farmers through Nordic Hemp Cooperation, the sole official EU distributor.
RAK was approved and added to the EU Common Catalogue of Plant Varieties in early 2025. Developed for grain production, this season allows us to assess how RAK performs in Estonia’s climate. It is always exciting to watch a new variety move from years of breeding and testing into farmers’ fields.
According to the Verve Seeds 2025 Seed Catalogue, RAK offers “outstanding dehulling, impressive oil content, and a smooth, buttery flavour profile.” The catalogue notes that RAK’s “combination of large seed heads and a compact stature contributes to a remarkably high harvest index, positioning Rak as one of the industry’s top performers.”
RAK hemp variety key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Open-pollinated hybrid |
| Plant height | 150–180 cm |
| Growing season | 100–110 days (depending on sowing date) |
| Thousand seed weight | 20 g |
| Oil content | Up to 31.7% |
| Grain yield | 1.4–1.6 t/ha |
| Seed size | Very large (superior dehulling) |
| Shatter resistance | Superior |
| Harvest | Direct harvesting with conventional harvesters |
| THC level | Very low (<3 mg/kg) |
| EU registration | 2025 |
Canadian field trials — RAK yield performance across 7 locations
Verve Seeds conducted multi-location performance trials across Western Canada in 2025, testing RAK against the check variety CFX-2. The results showed RAK outperforming the check by 14% on average.
| Trial location | RAK yield (kg/ha) | % of check variety |
|---|---|---|
| Coaldale, Alberta | 1,912 | 129% |
| Winkler, Manitoba | 1,904 | 121% |
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | 1,595 | 117% |
| Russell, Manitoba | 1,667 | 99% |
| Melita, Manitoba | 1,380 | 113% |
| Lethbridge, Alberta | 969 | 84% |
| Vegreville, Alberta | 917 | 139% |
| Multi-location average | 1,478 | 114% |
RAK performed particularly well at Coaldale (1,912 kg/ha, 129% of check) and Winkler (1,904 kg/ha, 121% of check). Even at Vegreville, where absolute yields were lower due to growing conditions, RAK reached 139% of the check variety — the strongest relative performance of any site.
The Canadian trial data is from farms at approximately 50°N latitude (similar to Southern Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). Yields in EU organic systems will differ based on soil, climate, and cultivation practices. Our own field trials in the Baltic region show RAK producing 1.4–1.6 t/ha under organic cultivation.
Is RAK hemp variety EU approved?
Yes. RAK was registered in the EU catalogue of plant varieties in early 2025. This means farmers who plant RAK are eligible for direct EU farming subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy. The variety complies with all EU THC limits (<3 mg/kg in seeds), making it a safe choice for grain production.
RAK vs Finola vs Estica — key differences
| Trait | RAK | Estica | Finola |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Canada (Verve Seeds) | Estonia (Nordic Hemp + Globe Seeds) | Finland |
| EU registration | 2025 | 2021 | Traditional |
| Plant height | 150–180 cm | ~150 cm | ~120 cm |
| Growing season | 100–110 days | ~110 days | 85–95 days |
| Oil content | Up to 31.7% | ~30% | ~25% |
| Thousand seed weight | 20 g | ~18 g | ~12 g |
| Grain yield | 1.4–1.6 t/ha | 1.4–1.6 t/ha | 1.0–1.3 t/ha |
How to grow RAK hemp
Sowing rate: 20–25 kg/ha, depending on seed size and desired plant density.
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. RAK responds well to moderate organic fertilisation.
Sowing depth: 2–3 cm.
Sowing period: Late April to late May, when soil temperature reaches 8–10°C.
Weed control: RAK shows strong early-season vigour and good weed suppression, making it suitable for reduced herbicide programmes and organic systems. The Verve catalogue notes RAK is “tolerant to herbicides and Group 2 herbicide residue,” offering flexibility in crop management.
Harvest: Direct harvesting with conventional harvesters when seeds reach 15–18% moisture. The superior shatter resistance means minimal seed loss during harvest.
RAK hemp variety for organic farming
RAK is particularly well-suited for organic farming systems. The variety demonstrates early-season vigour that helps suppress weeds without herbicides. The substantial biomass production contributes to soil health and organic matter.
The Verve catalogue describes RAK as “a proven winner in organic systems” and notes it “performs exceptionally under irrigation, suiting it to a wide range of cultivation practices.”
One Canadian grower who tested RAK in 2024 wrote: “Rak has shown exceptional processing characteristics, therefore creating strong demand from processors” (Weedpool.ca, 2024).
Where to buy RAK hemp variety planting seeds
Nordic Hemp Cooperation is the sole official distributor of RAK hemp variety planting seeds in the European Union. This year, alongside Estica, we are growing RAK on more than 1,000 hectares in Estonia. Seeds are available for the 2026/2027 growing season. Contact us for pricing, MOQ, and delivery terms.
FAQ
What is the RAK hemp variety?
RAK is a Canadian-bred, EU-approved open-pollinated hemp grain variety. It was registered in the EU catalogue of plant varieties in 2025 and is known for its large seed size, high oil content (31.7%), and superior shatter resistance.
What is the yield of RAK hemp variety?
Canadian multi-location trials averaged 1,478 kg/ha (114% of the check variety). In EU organic conditions, RAK produces 1.4–1.6 t/ha.
Is RAK hemp variety EU approved?
Yes. RAK was registered in the EU catalogue of plant varieties in early 2025 and is approved for cultivation across the European Union. Farmers can receive EU farming subsidies when planting RAK.
How tall does RAK hemp grow?
RAK reaches a height of 150–180 cm, making it a moderate-height variety suitable for direct harvesting with conventional harvesters.
What is the oil content of RAK hemp seeds?
RAK has an oil content of up to 31.7%, with a smooth, buttery flavour profile. The variety is valued for its outstanding dehulling characteristics.
Where can I buy RAK hemp variety seeds in the EU?
Nordic Hemp Cooperation is the sole official distributor of RAK hemp variety planting seeds in the European Union. Contact us directly for pricing and availability.
Related articles
Interested in the RAK hemp variety?
Nordic Hemp is the sole EU distributor. Contact us for pricing, availability, and technical support for the 2026/2027 growing season.
Get in touch →
• Nordic Hemp Cooperation — RAK hemp variety planting seeds
• Verve Seeds Solutions — 2025 Seed Catalogue
• Verve Seeds Solutions — 2025 Performance Trial Multi Location Data
• Weedpool.ca — “Rack and Jurassic Industrial Hemp” (June 2024)
• EU catalogue of plant varieties
