Summary

The Australian industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) industry, which focuses mainly on the use of the inner fibres (hurd), the outer fibres (bast) and the flower (seed) are one of the industries which have been determined to have a high growth potential in the AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries program. The Australian industrial hemp industry aims for the gross value of hemp production to exceed $10 million per annum by 2026. To achieve this vision, hemp production in Australia must overcome some agronomic challenges before the industry can develop. This project aims to develop three scoping studies focusing on the three agronomic aspects of plant development and production: plant nutrition, optimal sowing rates, and optimal soil moisture for different end products and growing environments. The scoping project will result from extensive desktop research and stakeholder consultation across the Australian hemp industry and will result in three areas for recommended scope of works, that will inform future procurements to support the growth and development of the Australian hemp industry.

Program

New and Emerging Industries

Research Organisation

Growfield Agricultural Consultancy

Objective Summary

The project objectives are:
1. Produce a scoping study that maps the extent, range, and nature, together with the costings and implications of study findings for nutritional needs, optimal sowing rates and optimal soil moisture for hemp grown for specified end products in different environments.
2. Produce an abbreviated summary of the scoping studies in a format that can be utilised in the development of potential procurements to support the growth of the Australian industrial hemp industry.
3. Obtain engagement and input from industrial hemp industry stakeholders from project inception.