Industrial Hemp Variety Trials Final Report – Program Coordinator

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AgriFutures Australia sees strong growth for industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) due to its sustainable uses, with FSANZ’s 2017 approval of hemp grain for human consumption boosting expansion. Despite this, limited agronomic data, unclear varietal suitability and inconsistent production remain challenges that need to be addressed to unlock hemp’s full economic and environmental potential.

Australia’s industrial hemp industry has faced challenges including limited research, inconsistent seed quality and regulatory hurdles. The IHVT program addressed these by running standardised trials across nine sites from tropical to temperate regions. By evaluating factors like season length, yield, grain quality and THC levels, the program produced practical recommendations for the industry and emphasised the need for quality seed, optimal planting times and consistent regulations.

The industrial hemp variety trials were conducted at multiple locations across Australia with the aim of providing information for farmers and industry stakeholders. The trials found that varieties originating from China performed well in northern regions, while European and Canadian varieties showed stronger results in southern areas. The program developed agronomic recommendations including suitable sowing times (April–May in tropical areas; November–December in other regions), recommended plant densities (150 plants/m²) and guidelines for different irrigation systems.

The IHVT also assessed THC risk, reporting that most varieties have levels below the 1.0% legal threshold but identified some varieties with greater variability that require careful monitoring. This research provides information relevant to industrial hemp cultivation, offering guidance for growers, processors and other stakeholders. By connecting varietal selection with latitude, adjusting agronomic practices and outlining regulatory and seed quality considerations, the program gives stakeholders data needed for scaling production, improving supply consistency and exploring market
options. The findings of the IHVT function as both a reference and a guide for future industry development.