Contrary to its “new crop” status, hemp (Cannabis sativa) is one of the first plants cultivated by humans. Palynological and archaeological evidence demonstrates that hemp has been an important economic crop for at least six millennia, and it has been cultivated extensively throughout the world for fibre from the stem, food and oil from the seed, and physiologically active chemicals from the foliage. It is a low-impact crop, and can be readily produced without pesticides and herbicides.

Despite its many merits, commercial cultivation of hemp in NSW is currently prohibited under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985. However, since 1995, trials for the purpose of scientific research have been allowed to investigate the suitability of fibre hemp for a “new” Australian industry.

During the previous three years, Dr Keith Bolton, Project Manager of Centre for EcoTechnology at Southern Cross University, and Managing Director of EcoTechnology Australia Pty Ltd has been undertaking research on hemp to investigate the potential to establish a hemp industry in the North Coast. Trials have demonstrated that the North Coast has an excellent climate for hemp production. Due to the success of trials around Australia and increasing public demand, it is likely that hemp will become an established industry in the near future.

There exists a valuable window of opportunity to establish a comprehensive hemp industry in the North Coast to produce the three major hemp products: fibre, food and pharmaceuticals. Dr Bolton is calling upon legislators and the local agricultural industry to establish a lucrative and sustainable hemp industry.

The North Coast hemp industry can produce:

• Fibre. Hemp produces two types of fibres: Bast fibre and pith fibre. Bast fibre is a long, strong fibre extracted from the outside of the hemp stem, and is used for textiles. Pith fibre is extracted from the inside of the hemp stem, and can be used for many purposes including paper manufacturing.

• Food. Hemp seed contains high quality proteins and oils that are excellent food. Hemp seed food products are available in many countries; however current legislation prohibits the sale of hemp seed food in Australia. This is likely to change in the near future.

• Pharmaceuticals. Hemp contains physiologically active chemicals that have long been used for medicinal purposes, and medical trials are being undertaken in a number of countries. Hemp pharmaceuticals are being investigated for pain management, appetite stimulants, glaucoma and epilepsy.