Hemp Now Legal in NSW, Australia
The New South Wales (NSW) government of Australia has agreed to introduce new legislation to make industrial hemp cultivation legal.
After decades of opposition to hemp, the NSW government is finally recognizing the benefits that hemp can bring. As well as reaping the great environmental benefits of hemp, the government expects that this will pave the way for a new and viable industry.
Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, says:
Industrial hemp fibre produced here in NSW could pave the way for the establishment of a new viable industry that creates and sells textiles, cloth and building products made from locally grown industrial hemp
Although hemp cultivation has been illegal in NSW until now, trials have been carried out in the west of the state. These have yielded 10 to 12 tonnes of dry stem per hectare, which is similar to yields reported from crops in other Australian states, as well as in Europe.
The National Farmers Federation are welcoming the legislation, although they aren’t aware of many farmers who are hanging out to grow hemp. I suspect over time, many farmers will diversify into this area. Especially if they find it commercially viable.
I sure hope the hemp industry in NSW gets all the support deserves. After all, how many other plants can yield the amazing environmental benefits that hemp does? And how many other plants can provide for such a diverse range of product applications as hemp?
Tags: benefits, Climate Change, environment, Global Warming, hemp, hemp cultivation, Sustainability, uses
June 12th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I am interested in the use of hemp in building products here in Australia. I am especially interested in it being used as for external and internal walls in our hot dry climate, as well as for other building uses.
Regards,
Peter Maslin