RAK vs Finola vs Estica — Which Hemp Variety Should EU Farmers Grow?
EU farmers choosing a hemp grain variety face three main options: RAK, Estica, and Finola. This RAK vs Finola vs Estica comparison covers yield, oil content, and growing requirements. Each has a distinct origin, growing profile, and end-use advantage. RAK is the newest entry — Canadian-bred, EU-approved in 2025, with the highest oil content. Estica is the Estonian homegrown variety, developed by Nordic Hemp, registered in 2021. Finola is the Finnish traditional variety, known for its short season and reliability in northern climates.
This guide compares all three side by side: yield, oil content, growing requirements, EU certification, and which variety suits which farming system. For a full overview of the RAK variety, see our complete RAK guide.
RAK offers the highest oil content (31.7%) and largest seed size (20g TSW), best for dehulling. Estica delivers 800–1200 kg/ha with larger seed diameter (4mm) and the lowest THC. Finola matures fastest (85–95 days), ideal for short-season northern farms, but has lower yield and oil content.
RAK variety overview
RAK is an open-pollinated hemp grain variety bred in Canada. It was released in Canada in 2024 and registered in the EU catalogue of plant varieties in early 2025. Nordic Hemp Cooperation is the sole official EU distributor.
RAK stands 150–180 cm tall and matures in 100–110 days. It has a thousand seed weight of 20g and oil content of up to 31.7%. Grain yield is 1.4–1.6 t/ha. The variety is known for superior shatter resistance, outstanding dehulling characteristics, and a smooth, buttery flavour profile. It performs well in organic systems and shows good early-season vigour and weed suppression.
2025 Canadian multi-location trial results
| 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% |
Source: Canadian multi-location performance trials (2025)
Estica variety overview
Estica is an Estonian-bred hemp grain variety developed by Nordic Hemp Cooperation (formerly Estonian Organic Protein Cooperation). It was registered in the EU catalogue of plant varieties in December 2021.
Estica stands approximately 150 cm tall and matures in about 110 days. It has a thousand seed weight of 18g, average seed diameter of 4mm, and oil content of approximately 30%. Grain yield is 800–1200 kg/ha. A key feature of Estica is its uniformly large seed size — 95% is over 3mm — and very low THC levels of 0.4–0.8 mg/kg in seeds. The variety was developed specifically for larger seed size and Baltic growing conditions.
Estica variety key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Estonia (Nordic Hemp) |
| EU registration | December 2021 |
| Plant height | ~150 cm |
| Growing season | ~110 days |
| Thousand seed weight | ~18 g |
| Seed diameter | 4 mm (95% >3 mm) |
| Oil content | ~30% |
| Grain yield | 800–1200 kg/ha |
| THC in seeds | 0.4–0.8 mg/kg |
| Plant type | Dioecious (50% F / 50% M) |
Trial locations: Estonia, Netherlands, Hungary (4-year field trials). Source: HempToday, Nordic Hemp.
Finola variety overview
Finola is a traditional Finnish hemp variety that has been cultivated in the Nordic region for decades. It is the shortest of the three varieties, reaching approximately 120 cm, and has the shortest growing season at 85–95 days.
Finola is an older Finnish variety whose THC level isn’t always below 3 mg/kg — requires careful monitoring. Regular testing is recommended to ensure compliance, especially when growing for grain production.
Finola has a thousand seed weight of 12g and oil content of approximately 25%. Grain yield is 1.0–1.6 t/ha depending on latitude. In Nordic conditions, 1.0–1.3 t/ha is typical. Finola remains a reliable choice for farmers in northern regions with very short summers, where other varieties may not reach full maturity.
Finola variety key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Finland |
| EU subsidy eligibility | Since February 2003 |
| Plant height | ~120 cm |
| Growing season | 85–95 days |
| Thousand seed weight | ~12 g |
| Oil content | ~25% |
| Grain yield (Finland, latitude 60°N) | 1.0–1.6 t/ha |
| Optimal latitude range | 40–60°N |
| Variants | Finola (original) + Finola2 (~10 days later) |
Source: finola.fi
Side-by-side comparison
| Trait | RAK | Estica | Finola |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Canada | Estonia (Nordic Hemp) | 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 |
| Seed diameter | Large | 4 mm | Small |
| Grain yield | 1.4–1.6 t/ha | 800–1200 kg/ha | 1.0–1.3 t/ha |
| Shatter resistance | Superior | Good | Standard |
| Dehulling performance | Outstanding | Good | Limited |
| THC in seeds | <3 mg/kg | 0.4–0.8 mg/kg | Monitor closely |
| EU subsidies | Since 2025 | Since 2021 | Since 2003 |
Which variety has the highest yield?
RAK produces 1.4–1.6 t/ha in Baltic conditions, while Estica delivers 800–1200 kg/ha. Canadian multi-location trials show RAK averaging 1,478 kg/ha, outperforming the check variety by 14%. Estica delivers consistent 800–1200 kg/ha in European organic systems. Finola yields 1.0–1.6 t/ha depending on latitude. In Nordic conditions, 1.0–1.3 t/ha is typical.
In practice, the yield difference between RAK and Estica is minimal. The choice between them depends more on end use — oil content, seed size, and dehulling performance — than on raw yield potential.
Which variety has the highest oil content?
RAK leads with up to 31.7% oil content, valued for its smooth, buttery flavour profile and outstanding dehulling yields. Estica follows at approximately 30%, with good oil quality from its larger seed size. Finola at approximately 25% has the lowest oil content, making it better suited for protein-focused applications.
For farmers supplying food-grade seed to processors, RAK’s higher oil content and superior dehulling characteristics create the strongest demand. Processors prefer RAK for its large seed size and efficient kernel-to-hull ratio.
Which variety is best for organic farming?
RAK is described as a proven winner in organic systems. It demonstrates early-season vigour that suppresses weeds without herbicides, and substantial biomass production contributes to soil health. It is also tolerant to herbicides and Group 2 herbicide residue, giving flexibility for conventional rotations.
Estica performs well in organic systems with good disease resistance and strong early growth. Its large seed size and compact seed heads make harvesting straightforward. Finola, as a traditional variety, is reliable in low-input systems and well-adapted to Nordic organic farming practices.
Which variety should you choose?
Choose RAK if you want the highest oil content, largest seed size, and best dehulling performance. It is the top choice for food-grade grain production and supplying processors.
Choose Estica if you want a proven Estonian variety with large seed (4mm diameter), the lowest THC levels, and EU subsidy eligibility since 2021. It is a reliable choice for organic grain production in the Baltic region.
Choose Finola if you farm in a very short growing season (85–95 days) or in northern Finland, Sweden, or similar latitudes where a fast-maturing variety is essential.
Where to buy RAK, Estica and Finola seeds
Nordic Hemp Cooperation is the sole official EU distributor of RAK hemp variety planting seeds. Estica and Finola seeds are also available through Nordic Hemp. Contact us for pricing, availability, and technical support for the 2026/2027 growing season.
FAQ
Which hemp variety has the highest yield?
RAK produces 1.4–1.6 t/ha, while Estica delivers 800–1200 kg/ha. Canadian trials show RAK averaging 1,478 kg/ha (114% of check). Finola yields 1.0–1.3 t/ha.
Which hemp variety has the highest oil content?
RAK has the highest oil content at up to 31.7%, followed by Estica at ~30% and Finola at ~25%.
Which hemp variety is best for short growing seasons?
Finola matures fastest at 85–95 days, making it the best choice for northern regions with very short summers.
Is RAK better than Estica?
RAK offers higher oil content (31.7% vs 30%) and larger seed size, while Estica has a longer track record (EU registered 2021) and lower THC levels. The best choice depends on your specific goals.
Which variety is best for organic farming?
All three perform well in organic systems. RAK is noted as a “proven winner in organic systems” with strong weed suppression and early-season vigour.
Where can I buy RAK, Estica and Finola seeds?
Nordic Hemp Cooperation is the sole EU distributor of RAK seeds. Estica and Finola seeds are also available through Nordic Hemp.
Related articles
Looking for hemp variety seeds?
Nordic Hemp supplies RAK, Estica and Finola seeds. Contact us for pricing and availability.
• Nordic Hemp Cooperation — RAK hemp variety planting seeds, Estica variety, sowing seeds
• HempToday — “Estonian company develops EU-approved hemp grain variety” (2022)
• Finola Oy — finola.fi
• EU catalogue of plant varieties
