Student booklet: Industrial Hemp
Industrial hemp, or ‘hemp’, refers to the plant Cannabis sativa L. and its application in multiple uses. Industrial hemp can only be grown under state...
Publication / 6 Pages
Industrial hemp resources
Fact sheet: Growing industrial hemp in Western Australia
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program is supporting the expansion of the Australian industry through a $2.5 million program of research focused on improved hemp...
Publication / 2 Pages
Fact sheet: Growing industrial hemp in Tasmania
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program is supporting the expansion of the Australian industry through a $2.5 million program of research focused on improved hemp...
Publication / 3 Pages
Fact sheet: Growing industrial hemp in New South Wales
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program is supporting the expansion of the Australian industry through a $2.5 million program of research focused on improved hemp...
Publication / 3 Pages
Fact sheet: Growing industrial hemp in Queensland
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program is supporting the expansion of the Australian industry through a $2.5 million program of research focused on improved hemp...
Publication / 3 Pages
Fact sheet: Growing industrial hemp in South Australia
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program is supporting the expansion of the Australian industry through a $2.5 million program of research focused on improved hemp...
Publication / 4 Pages
Fact sheet: Growing industrial hemp in Victoria
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program is supporting the expansion of the Australian industry through a $2.5 million program of research focused on improved hemp...
Publication / 4 Pages
Fact sheet: Gross margins
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program has produced a Best Management Practice (BMP) manual for growing, harvesting, and storing industrial hemp in Australia, which captures...
Publication / 4 Pages
Fact sheet: Harvesting grain & biomass crops
The AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program has produced a Best Management Practice (BMP) manual for growing, harvesting, and storing industrial hemp in Australia, which captures...
Publication
Fact sheet: Disease, Pest and Weed Management
Disease, pest and weed challenges will emerge as the area sown to industrial hemp increases. Effective management of these will be essential if the industry...
Publication / 3 Pages
About the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program
Through research funded by the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program, we aim to establish industrial hemp in Australia as a profitable agricultural industry. Through targeted research and development, the industrial hemp industry will exceed $10 million (GVP) by 2026. The industrial hemp industry requires an increase in the scale of production, access to regionally suitable varieties, better understanding of the agronomy, more efficient mechanisation for harvesting and processing and established long-term markets before industrial hemp starts to become a valuable crop in Australia.
The Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic RD&E Plan 2022-27 outlines five key research priority areas:
- Industrial hemp seed and varieties
- Industrial hemp production
- Industrial hemp products
- Industrial hemp industry sustainability
- The industrial hemp regulatory environment.
The Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic RD&E Plan identifies and balances the research, development and extension priorities and outcomes to promote industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.
Download the Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic RD&E Plan 2022-27
Collaboration
The Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic R&D Plan was developed through consultation with key industry stakeholders, including the chairs of the Australian Hemp Council and the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance, and through a broader industry workshop.
We are committed to working closely with all those involved in the industrial hemp industry, as well as the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Technical Advisory Group. The Group works to identify research priorities and make investments which will have the greatest impact on the industry.
Learn About the Emerging Industries Technical Advisory Group
Visit the Australian Hemp Council (AHC)
Visit the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance (AIHA)
Contact
If you’re interested in participating in or contributing to industrial hemp research and events, or if you have any queries, please reach out to us at
FAQs about AgriFutures’ Industrial Hemp Work
Why is Industrial Hemp a Focus of AgriFutures?
Industrial hemp is a focus of AgriFutures due to its versatility and sustainability. It can be used in various products like textiles, paper and building materials.
Hemp grows well in different climates and soil types, making it adaptable for many regions in Australia. Additionally, it absorbs carbon dioxide and improves soil health, contributing to environmental benefits.
AgriFutures supports its growth through research and development to enhance production and create value-added products.
What are the primary uses of industrial hemp
Industrial hemp has a wide range of applications, including:
- Textiles: producing fabrics and clothing.
- Paper: manufacturing paper products.
- Construction: creating building materials like hempcrete.
- Food: harvesting seeds for consumption and oil extraction.
- Personal care: formulating cosmetics and skincare products.
- Animal products: developing stockfeed and pet food.
Is industrial hemp legal in Australia?
The hemp stem is made up of two components: the bark, or ‘bast’, which contains the fibres used for textiles, and the ‘hurd’, with much shorter fibres used in mulch products.
Industrial hemp can only be grown in Australia under a licence issued by state governments. This licence is required by growers wishing to grow industrial hemp and/or produce fibre or seed and grain.
Where can I learn more?
To learn more about industrial hemp, you can sign up for the AgriFutures Hemp Program news and updates. Additionally, visiting the Australian Hemp Council (AHC) and the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance (AIHA) websites will provide you with valuable information and resources.
