A recent survey of the state’s hemp industry has identified opportunities and challenges to establishing and expanding industrial hemp production in WA.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development commissioned the survey of 64 growers, processors, manufacturers and businesses involved in the hemp industry.
Department senior policy officer Andrew Reeves said opportunities for growth focussed on hemp as a high-protein grain for food and beverage production, in and a fibre for textiles and building products.
“Based on the survey, the current make-up of the industry was strongly represented by those involved in seed supply markets (30 per cent) or in the start-up or pre market phase (26 per cent),” he said.
“In the future, the majority of respondents believed that WA could be most competitive in building and textiles (36 per cent) and hemp food markets (26 per cent).
“Confidence in the expansion of the industry is strong, with 79 per cent of those surveyed indicating they intend to expand their production in the next three years, with the majority aiming to expand to a planted area of more than 100 hectares.
“The primary area of growth indicated is based in the South West.”
In other findings, the absence of processing facilities for hemp food and fibre in WA and unknown markets were considered to be both significant opportunities and barriers to industry development.
Determining and developing domestic and export markets for industrial hemp products and improving access to good quality seed suitable to local growing conditions were considered by industry as valuable in improving its viability.
Earlier this month, iHempWA held its third networking and information event in Bunbury with hemp food being a popular topic for farmers.
The event demonstrated the holistic approach by business, the nutritional benefits of hemp and multiple uses of the plant fibre.
HempGro chairperson Bronwyn Blake said farmers would plant nine tonnes of certified hemp seed this season.