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The Goulburn Valley has long been known as Victoria’s food bowl, with Shepparton at its heart. From SPC’s fruit canneries to thriving dairy co-operatives, the region is built on a proud agricultural legacy.
Now, another crop is quietly emerging with potential to complement that tradition – industrial hemp. Beyond its links to cannabis, hemp carries benefits for health, the environment, and industry. For Shepparton and surrounding communities, it could become both an economic driver and a sustainability tool.
What Sets Hemp Apart?
Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa bred to contain negligible THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. By law in Victoria, hemp must remain under 0.5 per cent THC to be legally cultivated, according to Agriculture Victoria. This makes it a safe, regulated crop with a wide range of applications – from nutritious seeds to sustainable building materials. A Victorian parliamentary inquiry has already underlined hemp’s potential to bolster regional economies and advance sustainability goals.
Why It Fits the Goulburn Valley
Shepparton’s fertile soils, irrigation infrastructure and warm climate provide an ideal foundation for hemp cultivation. Like stone fruit and nut crops, hemp benefits from reliable water, yet it requires significantly less than thirsty crops such as cotton.
Local research, including trials by SuniTAFE, shows hemp’s resilience against pests and variable weather – qualities that could help farmers balance risk alongside fruit, dairy and grain operations. For growers facing fluctuating markets, hemp could be the next diversification opportunity.
Nutrition and Wellness Benefits
Hemp seeds are gaining recognition as a superfood, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and complete proteins. They are appearing more often in cereals, breads and dairy alternatives on supermarket shelves. Hemp oil, too, is increasingly used as a supplement. The Victorian inquiry highlighted these nutritional advantages, while Transparency Market Research forecasts the global hemp-based product market could expand from USD 5.4 billion in 2023 to USD 27.7 billion by 2034. For a region like Shepparton, where SPC and local co-ops already invest in health-focused food products, hemp fits neatly into the future of consumer demand.
Environmental and Industrial Uses
Hemp’s uses stretch far beyond the plate. Its strong fibres can be processed into textiles, rope, and paper, while its inner core is used for hempcrete – a lightweight, fire-resistant building material trialled in eco-housing. The Bunyip Hemp industry report emphasises its potential to replace plastics and absorb carbon. With Shepparton’s established food-processing and manufacturing base, hemp could also fuel new regional industries in bioplastics and sustainable packaging.
Barriers Holding Back Growth
Despite the promise, Victoria remains behind states such as Tasmania, where hemp plantings exceeded 1,600 hectares in 2023, compared to about 100 hectares in Victoria, as reported by the Herald Sun. Growers here face strict background checks, licence fees of up to $1,500 and heavy compliance rules, according to Agriculture Victoria. Added to that is the absence of local processing plants, which forces hemp fibre and seed to travel long distances for value-adding.
Signs of Change
Policy momentum is shifting. The Victorian inquiry recommended prioritising hemp as a strategic industry, while The Guardian noted its growing recognition across national agriculture. With investment in processing and more accessible licensing, regions like Shepparton could quickly become leaders in Victoria’s hemp sector.
From Seeds to Science
The rise of hemp is also a story of genetics. Around the world, breeders such as Herbies Seeds are developing varieties adapted to specific climates and uses. Advances in hemp seeds highlight how traditional cultivation knowledge blends with modern science to create crops that support medical, nutritional and industrial needs. For Shepparton’s farmers and researchers, this genetic progress offers a clear roadmap for introducing hemp into the Goulburn Valley’s diverse farming systems.
Looking Ahead
Shepparton has always been a region that adapts – from orchards to dairy, and now possibly hemp. For local growers, processors and consumers, hemp represents not only an agricultural opportunity but also a chance to align with global trends in health, environment and innovation. If licensing barriers are eased and local processing infrastructure emerges, the Goulburn Valley could soon be at the forefront of Victoria’s hemp future.
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