Hemp: Queensland entrepreneurs sowing the seeds for the newest superfood

By Melanie Vujkovic
Source: abc.net.au


PHOTO: Lauchlan Grout and Harrisson Lee spent four years developing hemp seed varieties suitable for Qld and NSW climates. (ABC News: Melanie Vujkovic)

Despite hemp only recently being legalised for human consumption in Australia, it is already being promoted as the newest superfood to hit the local markets.

Hemp — a variety of the cannabis sativa plant species — has been grown in Australia for two decades as an industrial product, but last month the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code permitted the sale of low-THC hemp seed foods.

Queensland entrepreneurs Lauchlan Grout and Harrisson Lee, of Hemp Farms Australia, have spent four years developing hemp seed varieties suitable for Queensland and New South Wales climates.

Mr Grout said they were currently growing some of the first commercial crops bred for a Queensland climate, and once the seeds were harvested they would distribute them to growers in their network.

"What we need to do is get farmers on board who are looking for an alternative crop, educate them in the value that hemp can bring to them, whether it's for a rotational crop or whether it's for a higher margin," he said.

"We've built a contract farming model around primary production, focused on getting farmers involved.

"We have built standard operating procedures for them to follow — pretty much a guide for growing."

Mr Grout said he was hoping to create a sustainable supply chain on home soil without the need to rely on imported seed and grain.

"We saw a commodity that was not being capitalised on in Australia, yet everywhere else in the world it was being grown predominantly for food, cosmetic and beverage products," he said.

"With every embryotic commodity industry, there needs to be a viable, consistent and proven seed supply."

PHOTO: Hemp has been grown in Australia for two decades as an industrial product. (ABC News: Melanie Vujkovic)

Hemp food products to hit the market

Before the food laws changed, Hemp Farms Australia focused on industrial products and pet food but now the pair are looking at the potential for new products.

"Because there's such a wide variety of use with hemp — in nutritional value but also fibre — we should see a lot of interesting and creative products hit the market soon," Mr Grout said.

Mr Lee said he believed it would be more than just a niche market.

"It's such a versatile commodity, you can use it to create paper, clothing, textiles, composites, concrete, oils and protein powder," Mr Lee said.

He said he hoped the new food laws would continue to break down the stigma around hemp, as a variety of the cannabis plant.

"There's nothing psychoactive about it, you can't abuse it, it's simply just another crop," Mr Lee said.

After losing his gall bladder in 2008, Mr Lee said he struggled with nausea until he was introduced to hemp.

"It made a noticeable difference — it's not a miracle drug that cured everything but it made a difference," Mr Lee said.

PHOTO: The Food Standards Code has changed to permit the sale of low-THC hemp seed foods. (ABC News: Melanie Vujkovic)

Food Standards Australia New Zealand notes hemp seeds contain protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, but does not have therapeutic effects of other cannabis extracts.

It also contains no, or very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

Queensland GP Dr Matt Young has advised consumers not to get carried away with the hype, and always maintain a balanced diet.

"All foods are important as long as they're fresh and healthy," Dr Young said.

"If you look at it as a food source — that's great, but I don't think you want to be pinning all your hopes that it'll have some wonderous influence on your health.

"I don't think you can get away from the basics in health, including eating three healthy meals, exercise and a good night's sleep."