Podcasts
Hemp, An Emerging Industry An Interview with Tim Schmidt ...
Tony Briscoe interview with Tim Schmidt on ABC Tasmania Country Hour, Tuesday 8 June 2021...
I relocated from Melbourne to the Goulburn Valley in 2020 and have embraced regional life, purchasing a small 1970’s (retro) house with land.
I am an advocate for housing and other social determinants that influence the health and well-being of people. I am the secretary for Regenerative Hemp Victoria Inc. and support various community groups, while also being a member of the Greater Shepparton Public Health Advisory Committee. When possible, I chip away at my Master of Public Health.
Professionally, I specialise in business management, strategy and operational direction to deliver solutions and services for healthcare. With more than 15 years’ experience in Health and IT, I guide, consult, and engage with relevant key stakeholders, organisations, providers, government, national authorities and agencies to lead the successful delivery of projects, products and systems.
My experience with hemp goes back many generations. My involvement in the Industrial Hemp sector has been invigorated by its application for housing, construction, food, extracts and carbon sequestration. Ultimately, my goal is to establish a Cooperative for the Goulburn Valley region.
Mick Andersen is the founder and owner of Good Country Hemp Pty. Ltd, a hemp foods processing facility based in Bordertown, South Australia. Good Country Hemp contract hemp growers directly, primarily in SA, and have processing lines for cold pressed hemp seed oil and hulled hemp seed, marketed online and through supermarket and health food stores.They also supply bulk hemp food products.
A qualified agricultural engineer, Mick started in the hemp industry in early 2018 after running an agricultural shed construction business for 25 years.
In 2019 Mick visited France and Germany looking at hemp crop varieties and seed processing equipment, and has travelled extensively both in Australia and around worldwide in his previous agricultural roles.
As the Deputy CEO of the Northern Territory Farmers Association (NT Farmers), I am committed to advancing agricultural development in Northern Australia.
NT Farmers is a leading advocate for the plant-based industries in the Northern Territory, supporting diverse sectors from tropical fruits, vegetables and broadacre crops.
Jaimie Milling is a fourth-generation farmer who has been in the agriculture industry all his life.
He has a Farm Business Management Degree and for 35-years he has owned and managed large broad acre mixed farm operations across NSW. Jaimie also has extensive experience in the agriculture industry both domestically and internationally, having worked in Africa, UK and Europe, as well as in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
He is the co-founder of Canna Hemp Care Pty Ltd, one of the larger hemp growers in NSW, with commercial crops of 20-to-200 hectares. They have strong existing relationships with hemp food and fibre processors and markets both nationally and overseas, and heavily involved in hemp fibre crop growing, marketing and processing.
Ian Whitehouse, Co-Founder of 888 Fortune Enterprise, Tasmanian Development Corporation and Hemp Tasmania plays a guiding role in decision making and development strategies.
Ian is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (CPMgr, CMgr, FIML).
As an experienced executive Ian is proficient in project regulatory, risk and quality management and is solution orientated.
Ian currently holds several senior company positions and advisory roles including:
August 14, 2024: Australian Hemp Council seeks funding to meet compliance requirements for animal feed
July 29, 2024: Australian hemp trials will look at potential for 2 varieties as dryland winter crops
July 11, 2024: As Victorian lawmaker waxes poetic, Australian state’s hemp legislation gathers support
May 20, 2024: Hemp bill in Victoria would reduce ‘onerous, confusing’ barriers, farm group says
March 19, 2024: Major hemp initiative in Australia abandoned as government fails to provide funding
February 15, 2024: Struggling Australian hemp companies strike a $1.9 million deal on food maker
February 7, 2024: New task force established to advance industrial hemp in Australian state
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Q 1. Why does APVMA have hemp seed approved on it’s ‘Other Crops’ index with it’s own CODEX#, alongside avocado and rape seeds, yet the APVMA are not allowing hemp seed-derived products for animal consumption?
The Crop Group listing for Oilseed (available at https://www.apvma.gov.au/taxonomy/term/7396 includes hemp seeds as part of the ‘other oilseeds’ group. Crop grouping for the purposes of pesticide evaluation is used primarily in assessment of efficacy/residues/crop safety related to the consumption of such produce by humans and is not specifically relevant to the evaluation of veterinary products. Please note that any approved list for human safety assessments is not applicable to animals.
Q 2. What prompted the APVMA to ban low THC hemp seed for sale to companion animals?
In publishing the Agency’s position on the regulation of veterinary chemical products containing Cannabis, the APVMA has clarified that veterinary products containing cannabis (including hemp) or cannabinoids are veterinary chemical products (veterinary medicines). Veterinary chemicals that are supplied and sold in Australia must meet the requirements of Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Agvet Code Act) and Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995 (Agvet Code Regulations). As the Australian Government regulator of veterinary chemical products, the APVMA regulates agricultural and veterinary chemicals to manage the risks of pests and diseases for the Australian community and to protect Australia’s trade and the health and safety of people, animals, and the environment. Informing the public about the registration requirements of chemical products is part of our responsibilities as a regulator.
Q 3. The industry agrees that extracts from the cannabis flower and leaf meet the definition of veterinary chemical products. The industry does not believe hemp seed and its derivatives meet the definition of a veterinary chemical product if no therapeutic or production claims are being made. Based on this, the industry would like hemp seed and its derivatives to be reclassified as Animal Feed Products based on the following from the APVMA’s website:
Animal feed materials and ingredients generally do not require registration by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) if they meet the following requirements:
All feeds that contain medications or other active constituents require registration unless exempted by the Agvet code Regulations. All hemp supplements/additives are considered veterinary chemical products because they contain cannabinoids (some from inadequate cleaning) and omega fatty acids, both of which have known therapeutic effects. Some hemp supplements/additives may be exempted from registration if they satisfy the requirements of Excluded Nutritional and Digestive (END) products. Questions have been raised about omega fatty acids in other plant/vegetable seeds, these are exempted from registration if the oil is included in the GRAS lists for Excluded Nutritional and Digestive ingredients or other exemptions listed in the Agvet code regulations.
Q 4. A number businesses are currently selling hemp products to animals. These businesses have been following state regulations that clearly state that denatured hemp seed can be fed to animals. APVMAs new policy has put all of these businesses at risk. Please provide a pathway for these businesses to continue operating within the new regulations until GRAS status is applied.
We are not aware of any state regulations that allow veterinary chemicals to be administered to animals without registration by the APVMA. There is a difference between feed used for nutritional purposes and supplements/additives. States and territories are responsible for feed which is used for nutritional purposes only. The APVMA regulates medicated feed.
APVMA has a Pre-Application Assistance (PAA) pathway where companies can submit an application to determine the data requirements to get their products registered or to determine if a product requires registration.
Q 5. In obtaining GRAS status, can we use toxicology data from humans to demonstrate safety for animals? Animal data is used for humans so we would expect the reverse would be true.
NO, we expect target animal safety data. Physiology between humans and animals is different. The APVMA encourages companies to seek PAA advice if they would like more detailed technical information, including specific study requirements to satisfy the APVMA that the product will be safe for target animals.
Q 6. FSANZ is confident in the safety of hemp seed for humans. Can this information be used to satisfy the following APVMA requirements for GRAS?
The satisfaction can be gained in data generated in target animals as stated above.
Q 7. Will APVMA accept data from internationally peer reviewed scientific papers?
Yes. The APVMA relies on scientific information generated anywhere in the world unless if there is an environmental or a specific Australian use that is different from other countries – that is when there is a requirement for Australian data. Target animal safety data generated overseas may therefore be able to support target animal safety in Australia.
Q 8. Will APVMA consider GRAS lists other than the ones outlined in their current policies?
No, the APVMA implements what is currently in the legislation. Responsibility for legislative policy and reform resides with the AgVet Policy Branch within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). If industry believes there are other GRAS lists that should be included in the Regulations, they are encouraged to contact the Agvet policy team at DAFF.
May 23, 2024: Fiber comes on strong as Australian hemp fields double, stemming 3-year slide
April 3, 2024: Hemp will play role in UK housing development that aims for ‘exponential sustainability’
March 22, 2024: Development of insulating hemp siding is goal of $1.5 million research project
March 6, 2024: There is a modern path for renewable, plant-based materials like hempcrete to follow
February 20, 2024: Pennsylvania builder gets $1.9 million from U.S. Army for key hempcrete research
January 24, 2024: UK grant supports research of hemp fibers for use in sustainable electronics
January 9, 2024: U.S. builders say new standards can help push hempcrete into mainstream
Hemp Farms Australia is an industrial hemp farming business. With our base of operations in Queensland, HFA focuses on mainland Australia, providing high quality reliable and registered industrial cannabis seed suited for grain or fibre production.
Click here to download their latest catalogue
For further information please contact us: info@hfahemp.com.au
Legislation: Industrial Hemp Act 2015
Regulations: Industrial Hemp Regulations 2016
Regulatory Body: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (DPIPWE)
THC at planting <0.5%
THC at harvest <1%
Licence types
1. Supply and store
2. Cultivate
3. Clean and treat
4. Research
5. All the above
Licence term: 5 years
Costs:
No licence fees
Note: The Tasmanian Industrial Hemp Act 2015 is currently under review. Click here for full details.
Hemp Buildings: 50 International Case Studies – Steve Allin |
December 27, 2023: Year in Review: Stakeholders worldwide work on fundamentals to advance hemp building
December 15, 2023: Texas fiber processor again pushes back startup date for decortication factory
December 5, 2023: To expand hemp construction, combine latest materials and quick-build systems
November 21, 2023: Region in Italy gets funding to support hemp fiber supply chain
November 8, 2023: Texas fiber startup gets more money from city, extension on hiring plan
October 24, 2023: Will widely hyped Texas hemp fiber processor finally get its factory going?
September 12, 2023: Symposium will hear about pre-fab building components, visit large-scale hempcrete project?
August 21 2023: 11th hemp building symposium will look at carbon, science, technology
July 13, 2023: Hemp on par with wood in ability to capture and store greenhouse gas
June 27, 2023: Hemp can be substitute for polyethylene in packaging, Canadian study shows
June 23 2023: Hemp shows promise in cleanup of toxic chemicals used in many products
April 18, 2023: Canadian team’s hempcrete building is ‘carbon-minimal, beautiful’
March 22, 2023: Zimbabwe’s hemp fortunes hinge on diversification into fiber, foods
February 27, 2023: Hempcrete takes ‘important step’ in U.S. by entering international code
February 17, 2023: $7.4 million grant backs Canadian hemp composite maker
February 9, 2023: 20 hemp fiber processors now online in U.S., analyst says
January 19, 2023: Swedish developer plans largest building in world using hemp insulation
January 17, 2023: Scottish bank raises investment in hemp insulation maker to £5 million
December 13, 2023: Overcoming stigma is key to advancing hemp in Australian state, lawmaker says
November 13, 2023: Research project seeks hemp varieties that will perform best in Australia
October 27, 2023: Study shows hemp plants enhance wine quality and soil in New Zealand vineyards
June 8, 2023: Stakeholders in Australian state say hemp can help fill gap after logging is banned
February 1, 2023: French and Polish hemp varieties stand out in Australian trials
Available now: 1.3 tonne of both Fibror 79 and Orion 33
Special price $4.00 plus transport.
The seed was imported in 2021 and has been stored well. Germination tests rate above 65%. Seed is also clean of treatments and so can be used for animal meal and human consumption.
For further information and to secure your order:
https://hempgro.com.au/products
Lauchlan is president and co-founder of the Queensland Hemp Association.
Since 2013, he has been contributing to Australia’s industrial hemp industry from seed to shelf, with improved crop success nationally.
He is focussed on developing successful hemp cultivars as the foundation for a successful hemp industry
December 22, 2020: Australia loosens CBD rules, but stakeholders say it’s not enough
December 15, 2020: New Zealand textile maker nears startup of hemp production line
November 4, 2020: Government continues its support for hemp in South Australia
October 22, 2020: Australian state of Victoria sets hemp trials at ‘smart farm’
October 15, 2020: Hay farmer receives first hemp license in Australia’s Northern Territory
September 15, 2020: Proper framework could boost New Zealand hemp, report says
September 14, 2020: Plan for over-the-counter CBD in Australia carries heavy restrictions
August 5, 2020: Australian researchers studying hemp nutrition for animal feed
May 3, 2020: Changes in Australia could make CBD available over-the-counter
January 31, 2020: Australian conference will look at hemp’s potential in wake of fires
October 5, 2021: NZ company to make CBD
October 1 2021: Australian stakeholders say black market for CBD is thriving
August 5 2021: Australian study shows hemp’s promise as feed for sheep
August 3 2021: Australian research team aims to develop new hemp varieties
June 24, 2021: Australian group buys 1,047-ha farm, says it fits hemp strategy
June 15, 2021: BOHECO to supply Australia’s SSA
March 16, 2021: Australian project seeks consultants
February 5, 2021: Australian group sets strategic plan
January 27, 2021: New Zealand initiative to study potential of hempseed hulls
Legislation: Drugs Misuse Act 1986
Regulations: Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987
Regulatory Body: Business Queensland
THC at planting <0.5%
THC at harvest <1%
Licence types
1. Grower
2. Researcher
3. Seed handler
Licence term: 3 years
Costs:
Application fee: $506.75
Renewal fee: $202.80
Updated 5-6-2023
As part of our service, we provide full support on low THC varietal selection and breeding targets. Our years of experience in hybrid breeding is the key factor that translates to our clients’ success. Our great understanding and expertise and experience in varietal selection and adaptability to different latitudes helps to reduce risk of crop failure and save huge upfront costs to growers.
Ph: 0427 416 479
E: info@hempgentech.com
Legislation: Hemp Fibre Industry Facilitation Act 2004
Regulatory Body: Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate
THC at planting <0.5%
THC at harvest <1%
Licence types
1. Category 1 researcher licences
2. Category 2 researcher licences
3. Grower licences
Licence term: 3 years
Date | State | Location | Time | Registration Link |
Thursday 9 Feb |
VIC | Hamilton SmartFarm 915 Mt Napier Rd, Hamilton | 10:00am – 12:00pm |
Click here to register for Victoria |
Tuesday 14 Feb |
NSW | The University of Sydney 12656 Newell Highway, Narrabri, NSW |
9:00am – 10:30am | Click here to register for Narrabri |
Thursday 23 Feb |
SA | 555 Mail Bridge Rd, Reedy Creek, VIC |
10:00am – 12:00pm |
Click here to register for Reedy Creek |
Friday 24 Feb |
TAS | Fairfield, Epping Forest, Northern Midlands, TAS |
1.30pm – 3.30pm. |
Click here to register for Tasmania |
Wednesday 1 Mar |
QLD | Mt Malakoff 1459 Springdale Rd Nundubbermere, QLD |
11:00am – 12:30pm |
Click here to register for Stanthorpe |
Tuesday 20 Jun |
NT | Katherine | TBA | TBA |
Thursday 22 Jun |
WA | Kununurra | TBA | TBA |
December 31, 2021: Interest in building materials rising fast
December 30, 2021: Hemp fiber valued for its sustainability
December 23, 2021: Model home is blueprint for sustainable, affordable housing in India
December 21, 2021: Funding will let New Zealand fiber venture ‘go farther, faster’
December 14, 2021: Hemp surging as an environmental alternative to other fibers’
December 10, 2021: European fiber, seed show promise; key derivatives seen bottoming out
November 12, 2021: New harvester yields hemp fiber suitable for flax processing lines
October 22, 2021: Pennsylvania opens 2022 licensing amid signals of shift to fiber
October 8, 2021: Missouri grants back fiber processing
September 15, 2021: Hemp takes a foothold in grain, fiber in South Dakota’s first year
July 30, 2021: Hemp included in New York program backing fiber production
June 30, 2021: First fiber processing facility goes online in Western Australia
July 13, 2021: California group in grain, fiber trials; factory, biochar research planned
June 1, 2021: Canadian maker of mobile decorticator signs on customers in NZ, SA
April 16, 2021: Australian project will set technical plan for fiber production
March 19, 2021: Australian fiber processing startup completes fundraising
June 30, 2021: First fiber processing facility goes online in Western Australia
June 30, 2021: South Dakota farmers eschew CBD in favor of fiber and grain
June 28, 2021: 40,000 acres of fiber hemp fuels China’s ‘one county, one industry’ strategy
May 26, 2021: Canadian company raises $7 million, will develop fiber factory in Europe
April 23, 2021: Pakistani denim maker looks to Texas for cottonized fiber
April 21, 2021: U.S. fiber processor says it has raised $2.8 million
April 19, 2021: Italian ‘eco-leather’ is new use for dust from hemp fiber
April 16, 2021: Australian project will set technical plan for fiber production
March 5, 2021: Italian researcher says stalks from polluted soil OK for building, energy
February 15, 2021: Australian firm says it will bring HempBLOCK system to USA
January 13, 2020: Malaysian association sees fiber as first opportunity for hemp
January 28, 2021: U.S. firm plans March startup of fiber processing factory
January 25, 2021: Demand for sustainable textiles is big opportunity for hemp fiber
January 21, 2021: Italy’s Umbria region has ambitious hemp plan based on fiber
Hemp Buildings: 50 International Case Studies – Steve Allin |
December 27, 2022: Major projects reflect growing popularity of hemp building around the world
December 19, 2022: Factory for nonwovens opens
December 12, 2022: As war destroys homes, Ukrainian hemp builder keeps on building
October 31, 2022: UK builder says homeowners have moved into 25 new hemp houses
October 3, 2022: Large quantities, fast methods needed for hempcrete to meet promise in housing
September 13, 2022: Pre-fab hempcrete construction materials offer alternative to traditional builds
August 29, 2022: Hempcrete seen as part of eco-friendly solution to Zimbabwe’s housing shortage
July 29, 2022: Ahead for the industry: Fiber and food, sure, but hemp will be relegated to a ‘specialty crop’
July 14, 2022: South African project demonstrates hemp’s potential to upgrade existing buildings
July 1, 2022: Tests at Kansas university show hempcrete’s potential in net-zero buildings
Jun 20, 2022: Tennessee hemp stakeholders hope research will spur investment in fiber
March 7, 2022: Modular system offers framed hempcrete panels for faster builds
February 22, 2022: Italian project aims to clean up polluted land, turn out fiber products
February 7, 2022: Explosive’ demand for hurd in Europe is bright signal for hemp building
January 28, 2022: Researchers say hemp-based rebar could replace steel in construction
January 5, 2022: Polish hemp varieties lead grain and fiber trials in North Dakota
Australian farmers are within grasp of one of the greatest opportunities in Australian agriculture if our government could relax restrictions on ‘whole of plant’ use. Hemp is an emerging crop that ticks many boxes.
If you’re an Australian farmer looking to improve your land and grow a highly sustainable crop or just want to learn how to grow hemp, then follow our newsletter and stay up to date with all current hemp news and updates across Australia.
LEAWOOD HEMP RELEASES SEED SUPPLY FOR START UP GROWERS
CULTIVATION PLANTING SEED AVAILABLE NOW FOR THIS SEASON
AVAILABLE PLANTING SEED:
· ANKA
· CRS-1
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· FEDORA 17
· FIBROR 79
· USO 31
· FUTURA-75
· INDIAN
Seed Pricing starts from $9.90 per Kg.
Please Call 1800 555 705 or Email: info@leawoodhemp.com.au
for orders & enquiries.
Our Top 5 Cultivars have been developed without genetic modification to grow and thrive in most regions of Australia.
Currently available:
ECO-MS77 is a robust dual-purpose diecious variety of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) bred for a longer internode length than ‘ECO-CHG’, high vegetative force, great capability of adaptation, greater TSW (30 – 32g) and very low cannabinoid (THC and other cannabinoids) content. This variety bred in Australia using a recurrent selection method and is suited to a wide range of latitude (5 – 53) for fiber production.
ECO-Excalibur is a diecious and relatively early maturity industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) variety suited for grain production in mid – high latitudes. This high-yielding variety matures in 100 to 115 days. This variety was bred using population breeding-recurrent selection method to pyramid higher grain yield and shorter maturity window. This is a female predominant variety with an occasional occurrence of monoecious plants.
ECO-CHY is a grain variety of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) bred in Australia for higher seed yield and low THC content that is suited for production in sub-tropical environments. This variety has desired traits for commercial grain yield in sub-tropical environments. It’s unique canopy structure allows commercial farming of this variety at lower planting density and is suitable for row cropping.
Currently unavailable:
ECO-CHG, a late dioecious fibre variety suited for fiber production.
ECO-CHA, a dual-purpose variety.
For further information visit our website or contact Adam Cantwell: adam@ecofibre.com
Legislation:
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
Agriculture Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (effective as from 5 April 2023. See Part 5—Amendment of Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981*)
Regulations: Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2018
Regulatory Body: Agriculture Victoria
THC at planting <0.35% – increased to <1% as from 5 April 2023*
THC at harvest <1%
Licence types
1. Possess, process, sell or supply
2. Cultivate and possess
Licence term: 3 years
Costs:
Annual costs $500 to $1,500
Legislation: Hemp Industry Act 2019
Regulations: Hemp Industry Regulations 2020
Regulatory Body: NT Government
THC at planting <0.5%
THC at harvest <1%
Licence types
Possess, cultivate, process or supply
Cultivars to be grown must be from the approved list
Licence term: 5 years
Costs:
Application fee: $1,250
Governing Legislation: Hemp Industry Act 2008
Regulations: Hemp Industry Regulation 2016
Government Department responsible:
Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
THC at planting: <0.5%
THC at harvest: <1%
Licence types:
1.Cultivation and Supply of commercial production
2.Cultivate and supply manufacturing process
3. Scientific and research
Costs:
Application fee: $572
Annual licence fee $200
Useful Links:
Guidelines
Application Form
Licence Manual
Governing Legislation: Industrial Hemp Act 2017
Regulations: Industrial Hemp Act Regulations 2017
Government Department responsible: Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA)
THC at planting: <0.5%
THC at harvest: <1%
Licence types:
1. Possession
2. Cultivation
3. Processing
Term of licence: 5 years
Costs:
Application fee: $1,181
Police check cost: $218 per person
Useful Links:
FAQs
Guidelines
Legislation: Industrial Hemp Act 2004
Regulations: Industrial Hemp Regulations 2004
Regulatory Body: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (PIRD)
THC at planting <0.5%
THC at harvest <1%
Licence types
1. Cultivate
2. Harvest
3. Process
Licence term: 3 years
Costs:
Application fee: $368
Renewal fee: $136
Site Test and audit fees: $650
Additional testing fees: $168
Have you completed your profile, preferably with your photo?
While it may be familiar to you, other members will surely want to know more about your background and experience.
Complete your profile by going to My Profile> Account. There you can update your personal information, add a photo under Avatar –
Once you’re done, go ahead and submit your topics or contribute to existing topics.
Any feedback or suggestions regarding the Forum structure or process most welcome.
If you have any difficulties or further questions please email me: bernard.thomson@australianhempcouncil.org.au.
Midlands Seed is one of Australia’s top agricultural producers of specialty seeds and food ingredients. With world-leading quality as our benchmark, our latitude, temperate climate, pristine air quality, soil types, availability of irrigation, and grower expertise allows us to produce superior products.
Midlands provides bulk supply of premium Hemp Seed for Sowing for planting. As an established company producing a wide variety of arable foods, we are proud of the quality of our bulk supply Hemp Seed for Sowing we deliver to farmers and businesses.
Contact Wayne Saunders
Ph: +64 277 275 522
E: office@midlands-seed.com.au