Industrial Hemp Variety Trials 2021–22 to 2023–24: Summary Report
Australia’s agricultural landscape has long been shaped by the emergence of new crops that transition into staples of the farming system through research, policy reform...
INDUSTRIAL HEMP
Industrial Hemp Variety Trials Final Report – Katherine Research Station, NT
34 pages
Published: 24 Oct 2025
Author(s): Drew Portman, Edward Mwando
ISBN: 978-1-76053-585-8
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Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) presents a unique opportunity for Australian agriculture, offering sustainable solutions across diverse industries including food, fibre, construction and cosmetics. Recognising its potential, AgriFutures Australia — through the Emerging Industries Program — has conducted Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT) to evaluate performance, adaptability and commercial viability across the country.
The AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program has invested in a three-year Industrial Hemp Variety Trial (IHVT) program to understand grain and dual-purpose varietal performance and suitable sowing times across Australia. Trial sites were established in nine locations including in the Northern Territory, South Australia (2), Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia (2), New South Wales and Queensland.
Between 2022 and 2024, Katherine Research Station in the Northern Territory assessed 15 hemp varieties across three sowing times to identify those best suited to local conditions. The study found that dual-purpose varieties like Han Cold, Yuma and King Gee excelled in both grain yield (1.67–1.84kg/ha) and biomass under semi-arid climates, while Ruby stood out for density and height. Protein-rich types such as CSR-1, Ferimon-12 and Ruby showed strong nutritional profiles. Sowing time and climate variability were crucial factors, underscoring the need for adaptive farming strategies.
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