INDUSTRIAL HEMP 
38 pages
Published: 21 May 2025
Author(s): Rhys Flynn
ISBN: 978-1-76053-564-3
Download report PDF
DownloadPurchase a hard copy - AUD $50
The Australian industrial hemp industry is poised for significant growth due to the crop’s versatile applications, including from its grain, fibre and oil. Legislative changes, such as the approval of hemp seed for human consumption in 2017, have spurred interest in this emerging sector.
Despite its potential, however, the industry faces challenges; limited agronomic data, regionally suitable varieties and best-practice guidelines for production have held the industry back in recent years. Addressing these gaps is essential to unlocking the full potential of industrial hemp in Australia.
This report presents the findings of a trial conducted as part of the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT) program at the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Kununurra, Western Australia in 2024. The trial, the third at the site as part of the IHVT program, evaluated the performance of 10 hemp varieties under different sowing times.
The varieties trialled were Bama, Bundy Gem, Ferimon-12, Futura-75, Han Cold, Han NE, Victory Monster, Muka-76, Ruby and Yuma. They were assessed at three sowing times, being 18 April (TOS 1), 15 May (TOS 2) and 13 June (TOS 3).
The best-performing varieties for grain yield were Bama, Han Cold, Han NE and Yuma, with the recommended sowing time being between mid-April and mid-May. A sowing depth of 5 mm in Kununurra’s ‘Cununurra clay’ (black soil) will prevent crusting, promote faster emergence and suppress weeds early. Ensuring good early plant establishment will enable better harvests, especially for mid- and late-maturing varieties.
This research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for producers, processors and industry stakeholders. By adopting the findings, growers can make informed decisions about variety selection and management practices, contributing to the growth of a sustainable and profitable hemp industry in Australia.
The Australian industrial hemp industry is poised for significant growth due to the crop’s versatile applications, including from its grain, fibre and oil. Legislative changes,...
Australia’s climate and agronomic conditions are conducive to cultivating industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., i.e. low-tetrahydrocannabinol hemp. The approval of hemp seed for human consumption...
The resurgence of the industrial hemp industry, globally and within Australia, is being driven by hemp’s versatility, benefits and applications spanning food, textiles, building materials...
The Australian industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) industry is a developing sector with considerable potential for economic and environmental benefits. Interest in the cultivation of...
The industrial hemp industry in Australia is emerging with significant potential, driven by the 2017 lifting of bans on hemp seed for human consumption. This...
The industrial hemp industry in Australia is rapidly emerging due to the diverse range of products that can be produced from the crop, including grain,...
The industrial hemp industry in Australia is a growing sector with potential to make significant economic and environmental contributions. Interest in hemp production has grown...
The 4th Australian Industrial Hemp Conference brought together growers, experts, researchers and industry leaders to discuss advancements in industrial hemp cultivation, processing and utilisation. Ten...
