Best management practice manual for growing, harvesting and storing industrial hemp in Australia

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Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an emerging industry gaining momentum in Australian agriculture. Interest in hemp farming in Australia continues to rise, with just under 2,500 hectares planted by more than 500 licence holders during the 2022–23 season. The sector is forecast to expand significantly, aiming for a domestic gross value of production exceeding $10 million annually by 2026. Achieving this target will require increased production capacity and investment in post-harvest infrastructure.

The most critical factor for industry viability is crop yield. To support growth, AgriFutures Australia has developed a best management practice manual for hemp cultivation in Australia, covering growing, harvesting, and post-harvest processes. This resource is designed to assist current industrial hemp growers, agronomists, and those exploring new crop opportunities.

The manual provides comprehensive guidance on every stage of production, including plant growth and development, variety selection, regulations and licensing, seed sourcing and sowing, soil and fertiliser management, irrigation, pest and disease control, weed management, and harvesting and post-harvest handling.

What this manual covers

This manual covers essential aspects of successful crop production, including understanding plant growth stages for timely management, selecting suitable varieties for local conditions and complying with regulations to ensure safety and credibility.

It explains the importance of sourcing high-quality seed and proper sowing techniques, maintaining soil health and fertility and applying fertilisers responsibly. Guidance on efficient irrigation practices, integrated pest, disease and weed control and best methods for harvesting and post-harvest handling ensures optimal yield, quality and sustainability.

Who is this manual for?

This manual provides existing industrial hemp growers, agronomists and prospective producers with comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge. Covering every stage from planting to post-harvest processing, it equips stakeholders with best-practice guidance on growing hemp in Australia to optimise yields and strengthen industry viability.

Introduction to Hemp Farming in Australia

Industrial hemp has a long history as a versatile crop grown for fibre, seed, and oil. Today, hemp farming in Australia is part of a rapidly expanding industry with enormous potential. Understanding its roots helps explain why hemp remains a valuable resource for textiles, food, and emerging products.

Regulations play a critical role in shaping the industry. From strict THC limits to licensing requirements and advertising restrictions, compliance is essential for anyone entering the market. These rules ensure product integrity and consumer safety.

Curious about how to grow hemp? In Australia, hemp thrives in specific climates and soils, but growers face challenges such as pest management, irrigation needs, and meeting regulatory standards. Knowing these risks is key to success.

The opportunities don’t stop at cultivation. Hemp is used in a wide range of products sold in Australia, including health foods, building materials, and personal care items—highlighting its versatility and growing demand.

This is just a snapshot. For detailed guidance on growing hemp in Australia, regulations, and best practices, download the full Best Management Practice Manual today and equip yourself with the knowledge to succeed.

Message from Tim Schmidt, President, Australian Hemp Council

The compilation of this first edition of a best management practice (BMP) manual for growing, harvesting and managing industrial hemp for post-harvest processing has been one of the most cohesive and collaborative actions the Australian industrial hemp industry has undertaken to date.

The project has brought together some of the most experienced and knowledgeable agronomists, consultants and academics from across the hemp industry, while the manual has been reviewed by the Australian Hemp Council (AHC) Agronomy Working Group. This has ensured a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to industrial hemp production for growers and agronomists is now available.

The Australian hemp industry is presented with some extraordinary opportunities. It has been clearly determined that the single biggest influence on industry viability is crop yields, which are fundamental to financial returns for growers from grain, planting seed, hurd and/or fibre production. This guide, with the foresight and dedication of AgriFutures Australia, the AHC and industry stakeholders, has been produced to provide knowledge for Australian hemp growers and agronomists, to ensure viable yields and our competitiveness in global markets.

With the hemp industry still in its infancy, there remains much to learn, and further basic research is required on industrial hemp production in Australia. It is noted that research and development priorities will change over time as practices become accepted and new challenges, e.g., insect pests and new growing regions, arise. This guide is a bright starting point for the hemp industry. It will evolve and grow with the industry over coming years.