Tasmanian farmers today applauded the state government’s positive approach to the hemp industry in Tasmania.

Hemp is cultivated in Australia and New Zealand under strict licensing arrangements. It is used to make fibre, textiles, paper and building materials

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) President Wayne Johnston said that farmers had been trying to grow industrial hemp as fibre for years, but had struggled with the regulatory hurdles, many of which were unique to Tasmania.

“It is pleasing to see the government move forward on the recommendations of the industry inquiry that was tabled in parliament in 2013. This will finally allow a potentially profitable and competitive young industry the scope to grow within the State,’’ Mr Johnston said.

The announcement that the government will change the allowable THC content in hemp to one per cent (from 0.35 per cent) will bring Tasmanian growers in line with their competitors in other states.

“There was never any scientific reason for the difference, it was just one of many commercial disadvantages placed on our growers. Now they can compete on a more level playing field,’’ Mr Johnston said.

He said that the move to introduce five-year licenses (currently 1 year) will also help the industry to commercially expand. There are currently 11 licenses covering an area of 116 ha. in Tasmania.

“Our hemp farmers are now gaining a sound reputation as suppliers of consistently high quality hemp fibre. We could sell as much hemp as we could grow. This move will give growers more certainty and encourage them to make further investment in the sector.”

But Mr Johnston said that the icing on the cake for hemp growers would be the introduction of the Industrial Hemp Bill – a special purpose legislation to be managed by DPIPWE.

“Instead of dealing with three government departments – Health, Justice and DPIPWE – growers will be able to deal directly with just one. It’s a real win in the battle against red tape,” he said

The 2013 inquiry also included the recommendation that the state government lobby for the removal of the federal ban on the use of low-THC hemp products in food.

Hemp seeds and oil are used in health bars, salad oils, non-soy tofu, non-dairy cheeses and as an additive to baked goods as well as being used as the whole seed, raw or roasted.

New Zealand permits hemp seed oil to be sold as a food, but Australia does not. It still has to be approved by all states and the national government under COAG arrangements. This is despite the fact that in 2012 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recommended for the second time the lifting of restrictions on the use of hemp for food production. A decision on this matter is now due to be made later this week at the Australia/ New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation.

“The TFGA has long advocated for the removal of COAG restrictions on the use of hemp for food products. We look forward to a positive outcome at the meeting on Friday. The removal of even more prohibitions on the production of hemp will provide Tasmanian farmers with an even greater range of potential products,’’ Mr Johnston said.

“We have shown we can grow poppies safely and profitably; and we know we can grow hemp successfully too.”
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) President Wayne Johnston