Agriculture/ Manufacturing/ Job Creation
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Hemp is a remarkable plant. It can be used in a variety of ways, from food to cosmetics and nutraceuticals. Other parts of the plant can be used to make textiles such as rope and clothing, paper products, building materials, biodegradable plastics and fuel. |
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Australia’s hemp industry is booming, with farmers, retailers and consumers all chasing its potential. It was forecast to reach AU$3 million by 2023, up from AU$300,000 in 2012. Growth of 900% over 12 years. |
| Hemp sales have rocketed worldwide in recent years. Global hemp sales hit US$3.7 billion in 2018 and are forecast to reach AU$18.6 billion by 2027. Encouraging Hemp related industries will further aid COVID recovery. | |
| Textiles produced from hemp fibre feature great breathability, durability and UV protection. Compared to cotton, hemp production is significantly more environmentally sustainable. Due to Australia’s decades-long downturn in textile manufacturing facilities, most textiles – including hemp clothing – are produced in China and Europe. Wearing hemp 30 years ago was a bit like dressing in hessian but today the fabric has been refined and is akin to a light and durable linen. | |
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| Hemp linen | Hemp looks like this! Leah Kelly by Design (FNQ) |
| Australian grown hemp seeds | |
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| Hemp seed is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains one of the highest sources of plant-based protein and is rich in the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. The seed is full of vitamins A, B, D and E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. | |
| Hemp is often described as one of the most nutritionally dense foods there is and a thriving local industry would mean access to this superfood would be within the reach of all, not just the wealthy. | |
| Innovations in hemp plastic technology mean many companies are incorporating hemp plastics into their products. Hemp is proving to be a clean and environmentally sustainable alternative to highly polluting plastics. Motor vehicle manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes incorporate hemp plastics in their products. Hemp fibre has long been used, instead of fibreglass, to make surfboards. It makes them much lighter, with greater flexibility, more resistant and gives them sensational grip and buoyancy. |
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| New Zealand's Earthrace, an eco-power-trimaran built in 2007, used non-toxic paint, hemp composite in the flooring, biodegradable lubricants and hydraulic fluid. The bio-fuelled boat broke a world record in June 2008, circumnavigating the globe in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes. The fastest previous time for a powerboat to circle the planet was almost 14 days longer. | |
| Compared to traditional construction materials, 'hemp concrete' (hempcrete) has a low impact on the environment. Moreover, hempcrete contributes to reduce climate change as photosynthesis-mediated carbon sequestration and carbonation serve to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (hempcrete absorbs and sequesters carbon throughout its lifetime). |
Hemp hurd with lime = hempcrete for construction |
| Methanol made from hemp 'trash' when used in low emission electricity production, burns clean and is very cheap to produce. It has the ability to reduce both electricity bills and pollution. | |
Policy Statements
- Encourage farmers to cultivate hemp as a major renewable, sustainable agricultural resource that can feed people, alongside value added industries that will create jobs. Hemp will both complement and reduce the need for the more unsustainable and inefficient crops
- Growing hemp for seed can double the income at the farm gate as a primary food crop and the refuse left behind after harvest (average 8 tons per acre) can be used as second-generation feedstock for making methanol
- Existing infrastructure can be easily and cheaply converted to produce clean power without interruption to production, guaranteeing local jobs for those already in the industry with minimal re-skilling needed. The power produced will help Australia become energy secure
- The Federal government has an Emissions Reduction Fund, available in all states and territories, for projects to produce low emission electricity. Major political parties are already onside with biofuel production
- Hemp farming and associated bio manufacturing industries such as plastic and building materials would create jobs and economic growth in all sectors
- Introduce start up assistance packages for the production and manufacture of hemp-based products and encourage new and innovative industries
- Legalising cannabis will allow boutique cannabis growers to produce cultivar specific varieties for dispensary sales for medical and social use. Manufacturing of balms, edibles, vaporising products and fresh food would allow ‘smaller players’ to enter that marketplace and create jobs.
