Industrial hemp variety trial results on show at Manjimup, WA

The final crop of a three-year national Industrial Hemp Variety Trial (IHVT) will be on display to the public at a field day at Manjimup, Western Australia on 26 February 2024.

Farmers, agronomists, processors, food retailers and commercial investors who want to know more about industrial hemp are invited to see first-hand how different varieties have performed ahead of harvest.

The collaborative trial with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, WA (DPIRD) is among nine sites across seven states and territories that make up the AgriFutures Australia national IHVT program.

As well as a field walk and crop inspection at DPIRD’s Manjimup research station, the field day will include a presentation of results to date and comprehensive information for growers about varietal performance and sowing times.

DPIRD research scientist Shahajahan Miyan said the research had provided some sound data to help the fledgling industry grow and mature.

“Over the past three years this trial has evaluated 17 varieties from Australia, Canada, China, France, and Poland , across two different sowing times,” he said.

“The results have shown there is significant potential for industrial hemp production in the South West, with encouraging yields and oil content produced from several varieties.

“This information will assist potential growers to evaluate which variety is best suited to their operation so they can make informed decisions.”
The Manjimup trial site is one of two in WA, with the other located at DPIRD’s Frank Wise Institute for Tropical Agriculture at Kununurra.

AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program Senior Manager, Dr Olivia Reynolds, said the field day aimed to bring together farmers, processors, food retailers and commercial investors to learn more about industrial hemp.

“The field day will also include an optional agronomy session with AgriFutures Industrial Hemp agronomist John Muir to provide a more in-depth information for agronomists or farmers thinking about planting industrial hemp,” she said.

The full IHVT results are expected to be published in late 2024.

Following on from the IHVT program, AgriFutures Australia is funding a $2.5 million Industrial Hemp Program of Research to assist with the growth of the industry.

The AIHPR aims to provide research solutions to address the industry’s key barriers to growth, led by Southern Cross University.

Industrial hemp can only be grown under state or territory government permits, and while it contains very low tetrahydrocannabinol content (THC) industrial hemp is high in protein and healthy essential fatty acids. Since 2017 it has been legal to sell industrial hemp seed for human consumption.

The need for the IHVT was identified in the Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic RD&E Plan (2022-2027) developed by AgriFutures Australia, which sets out a clear pathway to grow the industry.

AgriFutures Australia Manjimup IHVT Field Day will be held on Monday 26 February at Manjimup horticultural research institute, South West Highway, Manjimup WA. Registration is required for all attendees.

Register for the Manjimup IHVT Field Day here
For more information on field day times, locations click here

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Jenny Archdall
Dentsu Creative Public Relations
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