Industrial Hemp - A New Crop For NSW: Chris Cole
Industrial Hemp - A New Crop For NSW: Chris Cole
Industrial Hemp - A New Crop For NSW: Chris Cole
Introduction
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L), also known as
‘Indian hemp’, is one of the oldest crops known to
man. It has been cultivated since ancient times for
its bast (phloem) fibre in the stem, multi-purpose
oil in the seeds (achenes) and an intoxicating resin
Figure 2. Young vegetative industrial hemp crop.
secreted by epidermal glands. It is thought that
C. sativa was one of the first plants to be cultivated
and there is general agreement that the plant species
originated in China where the greatest genetic
diversity is found.
The plant
Industrial hemp (C. sativa) is a fast growing, annual
herbaceous plant with a deep tap root. It can grow to
a height of 5 m, depending on variety and growing
conditions. Industrial hemp is a short-day plant Figure 5. Transverse section of the stem of a Cannabis
(long nights) – the plant requires a set number of sativa plant.
successive short days for flower initiation.
Woody core or hurd
It has a slender main stem and when grown at
commercial crop densities the stems are almost
Vascular cambium
Figure 3. Basic morphological features.
Air space
Plant density
Potential growers will need to establish the
germination rate for sowing. If germination data is not
provided, growers should contact a qualified seeds
lab to undertake a germination test. The germination
rate must be considered when determining the seed
sowing rate and desired plant density. The desired
plant density will be different depending on whether a
fibre crop or seed crop is to be grown.
Optimum temperatures
soil. Industrial hemp is intolerant to wet, flooded, Optimum soil temperatures for germination are around
or waterlogged soil. Seeds should be sown to 18°C. Optimum temperatures for growth are 15–27°C.
4–5 cm depth in non-crusting soils to achieve rapid Industrial hemp is relatively easy to cultivate. It is,
germination to optimise weed suppressant qualities. however intolerant of:
• frost
Moisture
• inadequate moisture
To avoid plant stress and obtain viable yields
(tonnes dry matter per hectare), adequate moisture • very humid conditions giving rise to fungal disease
during active growth is required. This is particularly • excessively cold or hot climatic conditions.
important during the first six to eight weeks of crop
establishment to ensure maximum early canopy
closure and effective suppression of weeds.
Textiles Technical Other industrial Paper Building Various Technical Personal hygiene Seed cake
textiles products materials products (after pressing)
– Apparel – Rope products – Agro-fibre – Printing paper – Particle board – Animal bedding – Oil paints – Soap – Animal feed
composites
– Fabrics – Canvas products – Fine and specialty – Cement blocks – Mulch – Varnishes – Shampoo – Protein-rich
– Compression papers flour
–Handbags – Carpet backing moulded parts – Stucco and mortar – Mushroom – Printing inks – Bath gels
– Newsprint compost
– Working clothes – Geotextiles – Fuel – Cosmetics
– Brake/clutch
linings – Cardboard and
– Socks – Horticultural uses – Solvents
packaging
– Fine textiles (from – Caulking – Putty
cottonised fibres) – Insulation
– Fibreglass
substitute
HEMP STALK
WITH SEEDS CELL FLUID ABRASIVE FLUIDS
BOILER FUEL
HEMP PLANT WHOLE PLANT PYROLYSIS
FEEDSTOCK
AGRICULTURAL
BENEFITS
– Pest resistant – Elimination of pesticides with disadvantages – Elimination of pesticides with disadvantages
– Weed suppression – Pollen isolation (for horticultural purposes) – Pollen isolation (for horticultural purposes)
approximately $800–$1,200/ha, on this basis there 5. Are there any processing plants in NSW?
is potential for industrial hemp to compete with other No. there is currently no processing plant or
broadacre summer crops, once infrastructure is
infrastructure in NSW to deal with the primary
established.
processing of industrial hemp. there is a
Frequently asked questions processing plant located at Dalby, Queensland.
mobile processing units are used in Queensland
1. Marketing – is NSW DPI going to assist?
as the cost of transporting plant material more
NSW DPI does not propose to take a direct role
than 100 km makes production unviable.
in the marketing of industrial hemp. A number of
marketing organisations already established in
6. Can you sow imported seed from overseas?
NSW are investigating market opportunities for
industrial hemp. Yes. Once the seed has passed quarantine
inspection procedures. However, northern
2. Are there any organisations to join?
hemisphere varieties tend to have too long a
No. The industry is still in its infancy. growing season for NSW conditions, due to the
growing season in the latitudes from which they
3. Is NSW DPI going to organise industrial hemp
were selected. most varieties currently in use
growing workshops?
in australia are of chinese origin. Some plant
If there is demand from local regions, NSW breeding is currently under way in Queensland
DPI extension officers will conduct information
and NSW under trial conditions.
workshops to inform potential industrial hemp
producers.
7. Can other crops be grown following
4. Where can I source seed? industrial hemp?
Seed may be sourced from authorised growers in Yes. there is no literature stating otherwise. if
other states including Queensland, Tasmania and best management practices are adopted there is
Western Australia. Seed used must have a low no reason why industrial hemp could not become
THC concentration of less than 0.5%. part of the farming system as a rotational crop.
Conclusion
Further information
In an ever-changing world with greater environmental
awareness and attention to the environment, industrial www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/hemp/16241.html
hemp with all its positive attributes and potential www.dpiw.tas.gov.au
products could well be a valuable agricultural www.ecofibre.com.au
commodity. Development of new markets and www.croptech.com.au (when asked for user name and
manufacturing could greatly benefit rural economies. password, just press cancel)
www.agrifibre.com.au
Until the scale of production increases significantly,
efficient mechanisation for harvesting and processing
is explored, and value adding systems are established
(industry development), the economics of industrial
© State of New South Wales through NSW Department
hemp production and marketing in NSW will remain
of Primary Industries 2008. You may copy, distribute and
unknown. The majority of industrial hemp in the world otherwise freely deal with this publication for any purpose,
is grown or processed using low mechanisation and provided that you attribute NSW Department of Primary
high labour inputs. In NSW the industry is likely to Industries as the owner.
be broadacre, mechanised and capital intensive to ISSN 1832-6668
achieve viable gross margins. Check for updates of this Primefact at:
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/primefacts
Identifying suitable growing locations and streamlining Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is
farming and processing systems would also be useful based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing
initiatives for development of the industry. (July 2008). However, because of advances in knowledge,
users are reminded of the need to ensure that information
upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the
information with the appropriate officer of New South Wales
Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent
adviser.
Warnings: Pasture improvement may be associated with an
increase in the incidence of certain livestock health disorders.
Livestock and production losses from some disorders are
possible. Management may need to be modified to minimise
risk. Consult your veterinarian or adviser when planning
pasture improvement.
Legislation covering conservation of native vegetation may
regulate some pasture improvement practices where existing
pasture contains native species. Contact your Catchment
Management Authority office for further information.
Job number 8818