The Tasmanian Government is making it easier for our hemp growers to get on with the job through the Industrial Hemp Amendment Bill 2024 which passed the lower house of Parliament today.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Bill delivers on the commitment to work with the hemp industry to support future growth and streamline regulation.
"Industrial hemp has the potential to be an important crop for the State and is making a valuable contribution to achieving our target to grow the farm gate value of Tasmanian agriculture to $10 billion by 2050," Minister Howlett said.
"An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is support for our agricultural sector so that it can continue to prosper.
"Tasmania's industrial hemp industry is nation-leading; thanks to our regulatory environment and to the hard work and determination of our passionate hemp growers and ongoing advocacy from the Tasmanian Hemp Association and the Australian Hemp Council.
"We want to ensure growers can get maximum value for their crops by using more of the plant, not just the seed, for value-added products including textiles, paper, fuel and food.
"This Bill will provide sufficient flexibility to respond to industry priorities, creating avenues for local growers and experts to innovate, value-add and develop a prosperous, sustainable and valuable industrial hemp industry in Tasmania."
