A new $2.5 million research program was launched by Agrifutures Australia at Southern Cross University yesterday to boost the hemp production industry in Australia.

The global industrial hemp market is set to reach $18.6 billion by 2027, and this new research program aims to ensure that Australian producers and processors can claim a piece of the pie.

Hemp seeds are a rich source of essential Omega fatty acids and contain high amounts of protein. As well as being a valuable consumable, Hemp also produces high-quality fibres that can be made into fabric for clothing, replace single-use plastics and be used in building materials such as hempcrete.

The launch was catered and showcased hemp as a key ingredient in a variety of beautiful foods.

The Australian Industrial Hemp Program of Research (AIHPR) will be led by Southern Cross University, which has more than 15 years of experience in industrial hemp research. Construction of the program was guided by the Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic RD&E Plan and developed in close consultation with industrial hemp growers, processors, agronomists and researchers.

AgriFutures Australia's Emerging Industries Program is investing the money over five years to deliver impactful research into four key areas: 1. hemp seeds and varieties 2. hemp primary production 3. hemp products and 4. hemp sustainability.

Vice Chancellor of SCU, Tyrone Carlin, spoke of the import of the program on the future of the hemp industry. "There is an enormous future in this, and one that that is not just a commercial future, but something that goes to the fabric of the society and the quality of the environment around us… we know that this has the capacity to have impact."

Southern Cross University lead researcher Professor Tobias Kretzschmar said the AIHPR will involve a range of other research organisations and industry partners to provide research solutions to address the industry's key barriers to growth.

"Hemp is really taking off at the moment. It's becoming a lifestyle product. There's also a lot of opportunity in sustainability around it, because it accumulates biomass so fast, you can use it in construction, and it does help decarbonise economies.

"That's been a really big boost. And this is where this role of research starts. It's still difficult for farmers to find the right varieties for the right environments, to know how to grow it and have best management practices around growing, and to be able to actually bring their product to market. It's a bit of a cottage industry. There's a lot of gaps in the supply chain. And this research is trying to fill those gaps in providing farmers with best varieties, best management practices and pathways." Professor Kretzschmar said.

AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Senior Manager Dr Olivia Reynolds said Hemp had enormous potential to boost Australia's agricultural productivity. 

"The Australian industrial hemp industry is in its infancy but is rapidly growing, and the timing is perfect to plan and implement a pathway for growth," Dr Reynolds said. 

"We've had a long-standing relationship with Southern Cross University. We know the researchers; we know their capability. We know that they have a really strong interest in growing our industries. We also work with them in coffee, tea tree oil and rice."

Australian country music star James Blundell kicked off the launch today with a musical performance. James is a hemp grower with a property at Stanthorpe that is one of nine involved in national Hemp Variety Trials with Agrifuture, with his being the only organic one.

(James Blundell at yesterday's launch)

James said he was excited to be at the grassroots of an industry with such enormous potential. 

"Industrial hemp is expected to be a $10 million industry in Australia by 2026, and with the help of the AIHPR it won't stop there," Mr Blundell said. A keen environmentalist, James' parting song was an encouragement to "make sure that you don't get frustrated, as a visionary, with the slow progress - just stay on track and keep steady".

The AIHPR is funded by AgriFutures Australia in partnership with Southern Cross University, the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Charles Sturt University, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Macquarie University, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Murdoch University, Sage Consulting, University of Melbourne, Integrated Veterinary Rehabilitation, Vasse Valley Hemp Farm and Daniel Weinstock Consulting Services. 

For more information on AgriFutures industrial hemp investments, visit Industrial Hemp|AgriFutures Australia.