Source: weeklytimesnow.com.au
High hopes: Hemp grower Tim Schmidt.
WITH most of Tasmania’s industrial hemp crop sown and sprouting out of the ground, growers are looking forward to a bold future.
Hemp Association of Tasmania president and grower at Deloraine Tim Schmidt said the recent rains had been helpful to the crop.
Growers celebrated last month when legislation was passed to allow hemp to be designated as a food for human consumption in Australia.
Hemp grown for food and fibre has low levels of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinoids and it cannot be used as a drug
This season about 450ha of hemp has been sown in Tasmania.
“The new dehulling plant at Deloraine is on schedule with the shed being expected to be completed by end of February,” Mr Schmidt said.
“Also the slab has been poured for the new drying plant being built by EcoFibre at Carrick.”
Mr Schmidt said over the next six months a key objective for the association was to develop Tasmania’s brand.
“This process has to be managed effectively to help us compete nationally and internationally within the hemp for food markets.”
A grower field day is being held today from 9.30am to noon at Nick Mills’ Pashenger property.
About 20 for growers are expected to attend today and another field day is planned for February.
The association has had changes on its executive with Midlands Seeds business manager Blair Jepson stepping down as secretary but remaining on the committee.
Mr Mills is interim secretary with Daniel Cadart interim treasurer and public officer after the resignation of Lisa Esterich.
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