TFGA says get real on hemp

If Tasmania is to develop a viable hemp-growing industry for both food and fibre use, it is imperative that the state and federal governments work together to make it possible, Tasmanian farmers said today (Fri).

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) has long championed the legal growing of hemp on Tasmanian farms. We have the right soils and climate to grow high quality industrial hemp; it suits existing crop rotational practices; we have experienced growers; and we have customers looking for supply.

The varieties of cannabis sativa that contain very low, levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are commonly referred to as industrial hemp. The difference between this type of hemp and marijuana, for instance, is its low THC content. Industrial hemp is used in textiles, paper and building materials and – in other parts of the world – as a legitimate food source.

TFGA chief executive Jan Davis today echoed the call by Opposition primary industries spokesman Jeremy Rockliff for a more sensible regime to be developed for commercial production of industrial hemp in Tasmania.

Ms Davis said the particular restraints on growing hemp here include:
• The THC content can be no more than 0.1 per cent, yet it is 1.0 per cent in mainland states;
• Paddocks where hemp is grown have to be out of sight of roads and more than 5 km from schools or other public buildings, a demand made difficult by Tasmania’s size, farm size and the fact the crop is rotational;
• Licensing and security requirements which apply to both growers and landowners, making it difficult to grow on leased land.

The TFGA has also recently made submissions to the Australian Government urging it to adopt Food Safety Australia and New Zealand’s recommendation that low-THC hemp be permitted to be grown for other purposes, including food.

Hemp seed whole, hulled or crushed for oil can be used in food products such as muesli bars, cakes, breads, and biscuits; butter paste, non-dairy milk, ice cream, tofu and cheese. The essential and cold pressed oils are used in cosmetics, as well as having qualities similar to evening primrose oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil and soybean supplements.

While most of these uses are permitted in developed countries across the world, including New Zealand, they are at present illegal in Australia. This is quite bizarre, as the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code sets the rules for both countries.

“Tasmanian farmers have a well-deserved reputation for growing high quality industrial crops. Our poppy and pyrethrum industries are leading the world. We urge both state and federal governments to move quickly to remove the impediments within their respective regulations that are preventing the development of a strong and productive industrial hemp industry in Tasmania,” Ms Davis said.