The burgeoning industry will see two main opportunities grow from the passing of this new bill, both a fibre and grain industry (THC levels under 1 per cent) and a viable seed industry (THC levels under 0.5 per cent), according to a government statement.
THC levels above 1 per cent are considered as cannabis.
Minister for Primary Industries and Resources in the Northern Territory Paul Kirby said hemp’s status as an emerging superfood with many other uses will allow the territory’s farmers to diversify their crop offerings.
“The development of this industry is a real green shoot for the jobs and export economy here in the Northern Territory, diversifying our economy and creating local jobs,” the minister stated.
The potential for two crops for territory farms each dry season would also see an increase to the potential return of hemp production for farmers, with hemp grain currently garnering a farmgate price of around $3,000 a tonne, it was reported.
For NT Farmers CEO Paul Burke, it’s an exciting opportunity for an emerging crop type.
“Industrial hemp has real potential in our current climatic conditions and could be a viable new industry on a broadacre scale, which is an exciting proposition,” he said.
nestegg has previously reported on the future of cannabis investment in Australia as being an area to watch.
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