New South Wales, Australia has released a draft Hemp Industry Development Plan for public comments.
Hemp Industry Act, 2008 was passed by the State on 1st July 2008. This act helped to boost low-THC cannabis production. NSW allows only cannabis plants with THC content of less than 1% to be grown for hemp.
It’s a highly regulated sector – perhaps too much so. The maximum area under collective cultivation in New South Wales was only 1,800 ha after 17 years.
The NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan aims to change that, establishing hemp as a mainstream crop in the state. NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan aims to make hemp a main crop for the state.
The NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce was formed by the State Government last February with members from all sectors of industrial hemp. Taskforce members were tasked with researching barriers and opportunities in the local hemp industry. The taskforce’s formation was the result of an NSW Hemp Industry Roundtable held in 2023.
According to the NSW Government, “With the projected growth of the global hemp market, this plan will identify where stakeholders, government and industry can work together to maximise opportunities in the local hemp sector.”
The draft plan Includes an industry vision, four objectives for development and action plans to develop the industry. Summary of the four development objectives are:
- Hemp varieties that are suitable for the production conditions of farmers.
- Accessibility to processing and infrastructure adding value across all production areas.
- Increasing consumer awareness and confidence about hemp products
- NSW’s regulatory framework continues to be supportive of the hemp industry
The Hemp Industry Act of 2008, and Hemp Industry Regulation 2016 are among the actions proposed.
The plan estimates that under ideal conditions, Australia’s hemp-based industrial industry could reach $100 million in revenue by 2032.
A draft NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan has been released. open for feedback Have Your Say. Submissions are due Monday, May 19, 2025. The government will publish a finalised plan on its website by the middle of the year.