August 23, 2018 Hemp crops primed for major growth in WA Western Australia’s fledgling hemp industry will benefit from legislative changes to give growers more certainty about the quality and marketability of their crops, according to Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Ian Blayney. “The South-West of WA is highly suited to cultivation of this high-value crop and the changes to the allowable levels of tetrahydrocannabinol could now see the industry expand to other areas of the State,” Mr Blayney said. “The amendments in the bill lift the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol allowed in leaves and flowering heads from 0.35 per cent to one per cent, the agreed national standard in Australia and New Zealand. “This change means varieties of hemp that may be more suited to other areas, soils and climates, can now be accessed and trialled. “Previously, environmental conditions could easily push a crop over the 0.35 per cent level, meaning the crop had to be destroyed.” Mr Blayney said there was growing global demand for industrial hemp. “Currently in WA we have about 60 hectares of hemp crop, Tasmania and Victoria both grow 400 hectares and New South Wales about 600 hectares, while Canada last year grew some 68 000 hectares of industrial hemp,” he said. “I am very happy to see that growers have formed a co-op in the South West to market the crop and support the development of the industry.” Ends |
