The NSW government has unveiled the Hemp Industry Development Plan, which it hopes will new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state’s low-THC hemp industry.

The plan, available here, outlines a roadmap for industry growth through targeted research and development, stronger supply chains, market expansion and a supportive policy and regulatory framework.

The Hemp Industry Plan will focus on:

• Identifying opportunities to grow the hemp industry by attracting private investment, improving access to processing and value-adding facilities, and supporting Aboriginal businesses to participate in the industry.
• Improving the NSW hemp licensing system and reviewing legislation to make it easier for the industry to operate and grow.
• Strengthening research partnerships and providing hemp businesses with better information and advice on growing, production, biosecurity, and business development.
• Working with other states and the Australian government to create a more consistent approach to hemp regulation across Australia.

Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, the plan sets a vision for hemp to become a mainstream crop of the future, creating new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and regional communities across NSW.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty says the state government is backing industrial hemp as a new growth industry for regional NSW, creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting sustainable regional development.

“The Hemp Industry Development Plan is a game changer, positioning NSW to build a modern, innovative and profitable hemp sector,” she says.

“This plan will unlock new investment and opportunity in regional NSW, strengthening the state’s emerging industrial hemp industry for the future.”

“We’re working closely with the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce to turn this vision into action and deliver a strong, sustainable future for the hemp industry.”

Hemp seeds can be used to produce oils, food ingredients, protein powder and cosmetics.

Industrial hemp is also said to have huge potential for use as a fibre for textiles, rope, composites and building materials with additional environmental benefits in providing biomass for soil improvement and carbon capture.