New industry; old plant.
Industrial Hemp is emerging as a multipurpose crop in areas of the New England Landcare Network
Capacity building - LEP 24-025-RLC_001
The issue
Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L) was used by humans for thousands of years across a range of uses from rope to clothes. After the Second World War synthetics largely replaced natural products and fibres. In New South Wales Industrial Hemp is grown under Permit, requiring less than 1% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This substance is the psychoactive ingredient in C. sativa (marijuana). The fundamental difference between Industrial Hemp and marijuana is the THC concentration is significantly lower in industrial hemp varieties than marijuana. This difference allows the growing, harvesting, processing and use of Industrial Hemp in New South Wales.
The solution
Over 2,600 uses for Industrial Hemp are reported with an emerging market resurgence in natural fibres, and in particular Industrial Hemp. Four production outcomes can be secured from Industrial Hemp - enhancing soil microbiology, fibre production, Hurd (building material) production, seed production. The crop takes approximately 4 months from planting to harvest and can be grown under either dryland or irrigated regimes. Industrial Hemp fibre can be blended with cotton producing a hard-wearing fabric. Producers in the New England Tablelands Network region are actively considering growing the plant, investigating sources of grower advice, economic returns, research on varieties and growing requirements, viable scale of operations, processing opportunities, logistics, and market access.
The impact
New England Landcare Network (NELN) and Gwydir Macintyre Resources Management Committee (GWYMAC) hosted a field day for their Soils Group and other interested parties to Ashford Hemp Industries, where a group of 22 people gathered to listen to Associate Professor Guy Roth discuss variety research trials Sydney University, (Narrabri) and AgriFutures have collaborated on. Guy also outlined aspects of growing Industrial Hemp in response to Landholder questions from the group. After this session, Leon and Connie Minos demonstrated their processing plant, with product processed from a large rectangular bale to the final sorted products for sale.
Learnings
Industrial Hemp is a plant with diverse production outcomes for Landholders' consideration. Feasibility for broader incorporation in cropping rotations, or as a stand-alone crop are continuing through NELN in conjunction with the New South Wales government, Industry and Landcare groups.
Key facts
- Four returns from one plant - microbiology and soil enhancement, natural fibre production, natural building material component, seed production for oil and health foods.