Australian farmers to get go-ahead to grow hemp
Farmers to get go-ahead to grow hemp - Breaking News - National - Breaking News
The NSW [New South Wales, Australia] government says hemp growers will be on a drug-free high with plans to introduce a new licensing scheme to encourage local growers.Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said a potentially lucrative industrial hemp industry was not far off, following changes which will be introduced by the Iemma government.
“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 hemp,” Mr Macdonald said.
“There is growing support from the agricultural sector for the development of such a 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.”
Industrial hemp is a species of cannabis, but it has low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared to other forms of cannabis plants and cannot be used as a drug.
Mr Macdonald said the soft texture of hemp means it can be used for insulation or as an alternative to fibreglass, while hemp seed oil can be used as a base for skin care products and paints.
The scheme will be administered by the minister and will operate within a strict legal framework.
“The NSW government will amend existing criminal drug laws to ensure that existing drug law enforcement is not compromised - and this position is supported by the NSW Police,” Mr Macdonald said in a statement.
The worldwide demand for hemp and hemp products is enormous, and countries like Australia and Canada are more than happy to take up the industry. They are especially happy about the profit they can make selling the raw material and manufactured goods back to us in the United States, where growing hemp is illegal and the prohibition tariff equals big profit margins..
How long will American farmers and American consumers stand for the absurdity of a non-drug fiber crop being prohibited by the Drug Enforcement Administration?
Tags: Australia
