Recently, the Australian Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee opened up submissions to an inquiry on opportunities for Australia’s Industrial Hemp Industry.
Participants are asked to provide feedback on how the industry can contribute to:
- Agriculture in the United States
- Australian manufactured goods
- Construction industry in the locality
- Economy of the nation
The deadline for submissions is 12 September 2025. A report will be made by the Committee on 30 July 2026. Information is available here.
The Australian Hemp Council, AHC (Australian Hemp Council), has welcomed the investigation.
This would never have been possible without Tim Schmidt, our former president. His quiet and determined efforts have brought national attention to barriers that our industry faces. said the Council. Tim has made a significant contribution towards this achievement. On behalf of Australian Hemp Council as well the entire industry we would like to express our gratitude for all that Tim did in order to give us this chance.
AHC encourages growers, product developers, researchers and processors to provide their feedback.
Let’s prove that hemp industrial is not just a new industry. Hemp offers a huge opportunity to the country.
In Australia, industrial hemp is allowed to be grown under the conditions of a licence issued by a government state. This license allows only for hemp cultivation and/or production of fibre and grain. This industry has experienced its ups-and-downs, but it appears to be on the path for further growth.
Statistics published by the AHC last yearThere was a marked increase in fiber crop plantings, from 3% in 20/21 up to 48% in 2023/24. In the past 12 months, there was a doubled planted area of 3,200ha. The fibre area increased by 180%, from 858 to 1,564 ha.
The fibre and seed industries are valued at $5.4M each, and the Agrifutures forecast is exceeded by $2 years.
AgriFutures Australia is one of 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) servicing the Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) needs of Australian rural industries. The 2022-2027 strategic plan of the organisation Strategic RD&E Plan The goal is to have the industrial hemp Gross Value of Production (GVP), or GVP, exceed $10,000,000 annually by 2026.