To be held in Fremantle, WA from 25-28 February 2020, the conference will be supported, for a second year, by AgriFutures Australia who are proud silver sponsors of the major event.
The conference will feature the latest in industrial hemp research and expertise, including topics ranging from industrial hemp for human health to the provision of new varieties and crop agronomy expertise for local growers, through to sessions on realising value from the crops fibre, hurd, food and health products.
Earmarked as a high potential emerging industry, AgriFutures Australia is working closely with the industrial hemp industry to reach its target of $10 million annual gross value of production by 2025. Key to this goal is the new investment towards a business case for a National Industrial Hemp Variety Trial, funded by AgriFutures™ Emerging Industries Program which seeks to better understand the hemp varieties best suited for Australian conditions.
AgriFutures Australia Senior Manager, Emerging Industries, Tom McCue said the conference will provide a forum to explore the exciting opportunities on the horizon for the industry.
“The future of the Australian industrial hemp industry is bright, particularly since the passing of legislation that permits the use of industrial hemp seed and seed-driven products for human consumption,” said Mr McCue.
“This has opened the door for new market opportunities and projects such as the National Industrial Hemp Variety Trial have been established to help drive rapid industry growth,” said Mr McCue.
Industry growth must be underpinned by increased production in certified industrial hemp seed which requires (amongst other factors) attracting new producers to the industry with credible information about hemp varieties and their suitability for inclusion into farming systems in Australia.
