The Victorian Famers Federation (VFF) is championing a significant change in agricultural policy by backing a private members’ bill aimed at removing stringent regulations that currently impeded the cultivation of industrial hemp. The Hemp Industry Bill 2024, introduced into the Victorian Parliament by the Legalise Cannabis Party, promises to open up exciting and profitable new […]

The Victorian Famers Federation (VFF) is championing a significant change in agricultural policy by backing a private members’ bill aimed at removing stringent regulations that currently impeded the cultivation of industrial hemp. The Hemp Industry Bill 2024, introduced into the Victorian Parliament by the Legalise Cannabis Party, promises to open up exciting and profitable new opportunities for Victorian farmers and the broader industry.

VFF President Emma Germano has voiced strong support for the bill, highlighting its potential to revolutionise farming in Victoria. “Victorian farmers want to invest in industrial hemp, but the regulatory burden is simply too heavy. We commend the Legalise Cannabis Party for their leadership on this opportunity for Victoria,” Germano stated.

The benefits of hemp are vast and varied, spanning from sustainable agriculture to innovative construction materials. However, the current regulatory framework is laden with onerous and confusing requirements that stigmatise these opportunities. Germano emphasises that “removing government barriers will unlock hemp’s full benefits, including the potential for secondary processing and manufacturing.”

The introduction of this bill follows a 2023 parliamentary inquiry into Industrial Hemp, during which Happy Soils CEO Andrew Meseha urged the  government to “step aside and enable farmers to fully harness this crops potential. Industrial Hemps promise extends beyond the farm gate, with the potential to revitalise not only farmers profits but entire communities by creating new economic opportunities.”

The current laws surrounding Hemp are outdated and perpetuate an unjust stigma linking industrial hemp with illicit drugs. Despite being legal to grow since 1998, the stringent requirements for licenses and costly testing have deterred investment in this promising sector.

The potential applications of industrial hemp are impressive, ranging from textiles and paper to building materials, chemicals, oils, food, inks, and cosmetics. Particularly noteworthy is hemp’s potential to provide sustainable building materials, addressing the growing shortage in this sector in Australia.

In her closing remarks, Germano calls on Premier Jacinta Allan and her government to recognise the transformative opportunities that industrial hemp production can bring to Victorian farmers and to support the Hemp Industry Bill 2024.

By embracing this legislative change, Victoria could lead the way in sustainable agriculture and industry innovation, setting a precedent for other regions to follow. The future of industrial hemp in Victoria is bright, and with the right support, it could soon become a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural and industrial landscape.

Please follow and like us: