Agronomic scheme to trial industrial purpose Indian hemp industry

October 20, 1995

An agronomic trial program will be established to provide a realistic indication of the potential for an industrial purpose Indian hemp industry, Primary Industry Minister Monty House announced today.

He said the trial program and licensing system would be overseen by a Hemp Industry Steering Committee and provide a clearer picture of the viability of an industrial purpose hemp industry in Western Australia.

The initiative was recommended in a review, commissioned by the Minister and chaired by Murray Montgomery MLC, which was released for public comment today.

The review evaluated the feasibility and commercial prospects for an industry using very low drug content Indian hemp.

"While there is strong public support for such an industry in WA, what we need now is a more in-depth technical analysis of production, processing and marketing aspects," Mr House said.

"Ultimately, prospects for industrial hemp in WA will depend on profitability relative to other agricultural pursuits which compete for the same land."

The report recommended that a steering committee guide the next phase of the project and consist of representatives from Agriculture Western Australia, Police Services, the Health Department and the farming community.

It will develop protocols to conduct trials on private farms under a system of licensing.

The report suggested that licenses to grow hemp should still be issued and administered by the Commissioner for Health under the Poisons Act 1964.

Other key recommendations were that any seed obtained for cultivation should be certified low THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) cultivar, no part of the cultivated plants should contain more than 0.35 per cent THC, no unauthorised persons be permitted to access either hemp seeds or any part of the plants grown under licenses, the licensees should meet the cost of regular drug testing and security fencing during cultivation.

Mr House said Agriculture Western Australia would join the National Hemp Working Party established by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation to foster cooperative development of the industry.

The report said more research was needed to determine how favourable the South-West would be for hemp fibre production.  A lack of reliable summer rainfall and high temperatures indicated that irrigated production may be required.

Mr House said trial plantings would explore a wide range of plant nutrient regimes, sowing times, cultural techniques, genetic material, yields per hectare, production costs and price for product.

The report found there was a lack of significant markets for hemp fibre and processing plants capable of using hemp for paper or fabric manufacture in Australia.  It suggested these issues needed to be evaluated in conjunction with agronomic trials.

The report said that the current world prices for hemp may not support commercially viable industry unless there was a sustained increase in demand and price.

The report is now available for public comment until November 30, 1995.  Written submissions should be sent to Chairman of the Hemp Review Committee, c/o 20th floor, 221 St Georges Tce Perth 6000 or facsimile (09) 4812151.

Mr House said the 140 people who made written submissions and the 176 who attended public meetings would receive a copy of the report.

Others interested in obtaining a copy should contact Brian Beetson, Agriculture Western Australia, Baron-Hay Court, South Perth 6151.  Fax:  09 368 1205.

Mr House will soon name the members of the Hemp Industry Steering Committee to begin developing a trial program and advance the potential industry.

Media contact:  Will Henwood 481 2044 or 222 9595