INDUSTRIAL HEMP 
33 pages
Published: 22 May 2025
Author(s): Shah Nawaz
ISBN: 978-1-76053-565-0
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AgriFutures Australia has recognised the potential for significant growth in the industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) sector due to its wide range of sustainable applications and uses. The benefits associated with the oil profile of hemp grain, which has one of the best omega 3:6 ratios of any plant-based oil, are a key factor in the potential of the crop.
Against this backdrop, the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program has invested in a series of variety trials to understand the crop’s performance across various Australian growing environments. The aim of the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT) program is to provide Australian hemp growers with essential data by evaluating grain and dual-purpose hemp varieties appropriate for diverse growing regions throughout Australia. To accomplish this, trial sites have been set up across Australia, encompassing the Northern Territory, South Australia (2), Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia (2), Queensland and New South Wales.
The 2024 trial at the Katherine Research Station in the Northern Territory included eight varieties and three sowing times. The varieties were Bama, CRS-1, Han Cold, Han NE, Ruby, Yuma, Ferimon-12 and Muka 76, while the sowing times were 4 April (TOS 1), 30 April (TOS 2) and 30 May (TOS 3).
Han NE, Bama and Han Cold were the top performers in terms of grain yield, while Ruby excelled in grain quality parameters. All early-maturing varieties performed poorly for grain yield, but their grain quality was better compared to late-maturing varieties. Henola was the poorest performer for a number of parameters, including plant height, dry matter production, 1,000 grain weight and grain yield, so is not recommended for this region.
Han Cold, Yuma and King Gee are recommended for dual-purpose (biomass and grain) production in the Katherine region with a mid-April to mid-May sowing time. Additionally, growers should ensure soil temperatures are consistently within the optimal 18-24 °C range for successful germination and establishment.
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