Industrial Hemp Crops To Be Sown In NSW By Spring

[Jim Finnel]

Australia: Industrial hemp is a step closer to becoming a new production crop in NSW, following the passing of the Hemp Industry Bill 2008 through the NSW Upper House last week.

The bill, which introduces a new licensing scheme to allow the production of industrial hemp in NSW, has now passed through both Houses of NSW Parliament.

Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald says the licensing scheme means industrial hemp crops can be planted this coming spring.

"It will pave the way for a potentially lucrative industrial hemp industry, providing farmers with the additional option of another fast-growing summer crop that can be used in rotation with winter grain crops," Mr Macdonald said.

"Industrial hemp fibre can be used as a base for skin care products, in paints, paper products and textiles, load bearing masonry for building, insulation, as an additive to wool in soft textured durable yarns and also as an alternative to fibreglass."

NSW Department of Primary Industries will now work with farmers and other groups to create the necessary regulation which will ensure the crop is grown only under licence and only by applicants of good repute.

"Following consultation in August with potential growers and other interested parties, the regulation will be finalised in September," Mr Macdonald said.

"The licensing scheme is designed to prevent industrial hemp being used to camouflage an illicit crop of high-THC cannabis, or marijuana, and we will continue to work closely with NSW Police to ensure law enforcement is not compromised.

"Properties growing industrial hemp will be audited and inspected regularly, to identify any illicit plants or any breaches of licence conditions."

Mr Macdonald said there was growing support from the agricultural sector for the development of the new industry.

"This is a direct result of the environmentally-friendly nature of industrial hemp and a perceived interest for hemp products in the market," he said.

* For information on the licensing scheme or on industrial hemp call NSW DPI on (02) 6938 1966.


News Hawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Farm Online
Copyright: 2008 Fairfax Media
Contact: Farm Online
Website: Industrial hemp crops to be sown in NSW by spring

 

[BlackThumb]

Hi User,
Was just curious and thought you might know, but in countries which are going to grow legal industrial hemp, do they as an initial general check simply make sure the seed stock comes from a radiated source or something, and then do these spot checks eluded to in the article?
When they do want to check a sown crop for intermixed hemp, I also imagine they just do a random walk through and perform a more conclusive chemical test on those randomly selected plants. I guess the grower also has to pay for these tests as well? Thx.

 

[Jim Finnel]

i haven't got a clue. but i would guess that seed stock would be the starting place for sure.

good questions

 

[BlackThumb]

^Hey again User,
I know the article was for 'Down Under', but could only get limited info without calling the NSW DPI to get "The Manual". HaHa, it obviously contains all of the sampling data, test requirements and such.

This site does have most of the requirement for Canada, and it looks like anything else regulated by the Feds, its cost to the grower can be substantial. Basically they start with annual license and criminal checks, then you have to hire an Approved Hemp Sampler who's duties are to collect the samples, dry them, and then submit the labeled samples to an independent Approved Laboratory for Delta 9 testing and certification that it is below .3%, all submitted on appropriate state forms of course.

You have to do this every year with renewal, but if an entity suspects something, they can make you do it all over again for proof. Not having any hard prices, its not difficult to see that using these two vendors along with license fees only grows as your crop area increases.
Wow, not as easy as lets start sticking seeds in the dirt every 6" to grow as many 16' tall hemp plants as possible is it. That could get really expensive just to prove your not criminal, and you haven't harvested anything yet.
They just need to legalize the whole shooting match, IH & Ganja..poof, all goes away.
Crops | Hemp | Licensing of Industrial Hemp | Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives | Province of Manitoba