Who is Konopko?

Slovenian Hemp Cooperative is building a bridge between growers, processors, researchers, institutes, businesses, decision makers, governmental officials... in hemp related issues in Slovenia. Our long term goals are:

  • General hemp promotion in Slovenia.
  • Development of technical equipment for hemp production and processing (sharing resources).
  • Linking urban centers to rural areas.
  • Setting up operational units in rural areas in Slovenia.
  • Founding a Slovenian Hemp Center for workshops, training, education.
  • Event organization on the topic of industrial hemp.
  • Developing new hemp products (in cooperation with institutes and industry).
  • Generating new sustainable jobs, promoting green economy and social enterprising.
  • Promoting hemp growing for fitoremidiation, rehabilitation of agricultural land under intensive use, hemp cultivation in areas with restrictions.

The steering comitee of the Cooperative, Managing board (2025)

In June 2014 there was a founding assembly held in Maribor, where the first Managing board was elected. After 8 active years, full of hard work, volunteering, legislation engagement etc. new Managing board was appointed in 2025 with 7 electorial positions:

  • Jernej Redek (President)
  • Alenka Zapušek
  • Lina Habjanič
  • Leander Črnila
  • Senta Trafela
  • Davorin Tonkli
  • Aljaž Furlan

 

Important contacts

Management, Organisation, International cooperation, Development
Mr. David Gersak, B.Sc., david.gersak@konopko.si, Mobile Nr. +386 41 576 416

Growing, Agricultural and farming support
Mrs. Alenka Zapusek, M.Sc., alenka.zapusek@konopko.si

Crops buy, Growing hemp seed salesMr. David Gersak, B.Sc., david.gersak@konopko.si, Mobile Nr. +386 41 576 416

Education, International cooperation. Legislation
Mrs. Lina Habjanič, lina.habjanic@konopko.si

Join us today, let's Co-operate together!

The benefits of joining Konopko co-operative:
  • information about hemp, all gathered in one location
  • lower production costs (joint equipment)
  • legal protection
  • more rapid progress using a common information database
  • buying produce from members at a fair price
  • lower purchase prices for hemp seeds
  • lower prices for end buyers who are members of the co-op
  • last but not least: by joining you are supporting local hemp production aimed at self-sufficiency as well as creating new employment opportunities

Updated status 05/2025: we have over 190 members (hemp growers) and are by far the largest hemp group in Slovenia.

Read more about the advantages of membership.


Photo by Hannu Koivisto

Lokacija zadruge Konopko

KonopKo Headquarters are located in Frankolovo, at 700 meters altitude, where we are coworking on a Vrhivšek family farm.