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Hemp is an emerging crop in Australia that can be grown in all parts of the country. However, it is a new crop, and some regions are better suited to growing it than others. Tasmania and NSW, for example, have cooler subtropical climates that are optimal for growing hemp for food. Other states that meet these criteria include VIC, SA, WA, and QLD. In this paragraph, we will explore the topic of where to grow hemp in Australia, including the ideal climate, soil, and growing conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Hemp grows best in subtropical climates with heat, humidity, and rainfall. However, it can adapt to different environments and is being developed to suit warmer and drier conditions. |
| Soil | Hemp grows well in fertile, neutral-to-slightly alkaline, well-drained clay loam or silt loam soil. It is intolerant of waterlogged soils. |
| Temperature | Optimal soil temperatures for germination are around 18°C, with ideal temperatures for growth between 15–27°C. Hemp is intolerant of frost and excessively hot or cold conditions. |
| Location | Tasmania and NSW grow the most hemp, but other states like VIC, SA, WA, and QLD can also support hemp growth. Hemp cannot be grown within urban areas. |
| Licensing | A license is required to grow hemp in Australia, issued by state governments or specific departments within each state. |
| Pests and Diseases | Australia has no major hemp pests or diseases. |
| Profitability | Hemp is a low-input crop that benefits soil structure and has a good grain yield of 1 tonne per hectare. However, the price proposition for hemp fibre is poor unless there are processing operations near the farm. |
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What You'll Learn
- Hemp grows best in subtropical climates with fertile, well-drained clay loam or silt loam soil
- Tasmania and NSW grow the most hemp in Australia
- Hemp is intolerant of frost and excessively cold or hot climatic conditions
- Hemp seeds can be purchased from Midlands Seed, one of Australia's top agricultural producers
- A hemp license is required in Australia to grow and process industrial hemp
Hemp grows best in subtropical climates with fertile, well-drained clay loam or silt loam soil
Hemp is a versatile crop that can be grown in all parts of Australia. It grows best in subtropical climates with fertile, well-drained clay loam or silt loam soil. Tasmania and NSW grow the most hemp in Australia, thanks to their cooler subtropical climates. Other states like Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland can also meet these criteria.
Hemp plants tend to perform better in subtropical climates with heat and humidity, and plenty of rainfall, so they are usually grown in the summer-autumn season. The plant is highly adaptable and can even grow in non-subtropical climates. For instance, some species are native to Russia, where the ground is frozen for nine months of the year.
In Australia, hemp grows well in fertile, neutral-to-slightly alkaline, well-drained clay loam or silt loam soil. It requires soil temperatures of around 18°C for germination and optimum temperatures of 15–27°C for growth. Hemp is intolerant of frost and excessively hot or cold climatic conditions, which limits the regions in Australia where it can be cultivated. It also cannot tolerate wet, flooded, or waterlogged soils.
Water management is crucial during the first six to eight weeks of hemp crop establishment. Hemp requires 3-6 megalitres of irrigation water per hectare for sustainable production rates, compared to 6-7 megalitres for cotton. Hemp is a low-maintenance crop that does not require pesticides, and Australia has no major hemp pests or diseases. However, very humid conditions can lead to fungal diseases, requiring chemical control measures.
Hemp is a challenging crop to grow, even for experienced farmers. It requires a significant amount of knowledge and the right equipment to cultivate a uniformly healthy, harvestable, and profitable crop each season. There are many factors to consider before growing hemp, such as the market demand, processing facilities, and profit margins.
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Tasmania and NSW grow the most hemp in Australia
Hemp plants tend to perform better in subtropical climates with heat and humidity, and plenty of rainfall. While hemp plants can adapt to different environments, Tasmania and NSW grow the most hemp in Australia, partly due to their cooler subtropical climates. Tasmania, in particular, is optimal for growing hemp for food.
Tasmania has been leading the way in grain production since the laws changed and currently accounts for around 80% of production in Australia, with farmers achieving yields of up to 2.5 tonnes per hectare. Tasmania offers hemp-growing licenses for various purposes, such as supply, cultivation, manufacturing, and research. The state also has small-scale hemp fibre processing, with a facility that can process over 3000 tonnes of hemp per year.
NSW also has a favourable climate for growing hemp. The rules around growing hemp in NSW are a little more relaxed than in Queensland, for example. In NSW, you are permitted to grow low-THC hemp, and you can apply for different licenses depending on your purpose, such as commercial, manufacturing, or scientific purposes. The hemp grains industry in NSW has been gaining momentum, with the plant being used for food, fibre, and medicine. However, hemp grain growing in NSW still requires irrigation to be viable.
Other states that can meet the criteria for growing hemp include Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland. However, the further north you go, it could be tougher due to the intense heat and dryness during the summer. There has been progress in developing hemp genetics better suited to these warmer and drier conditions in North Queensland and the Northern Territory.
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Hemp is intolerant of frost and excessively cold or hot climatic conditions
Hemp is a resilient plant that can adapt to various environmental conditions. However, it is intolerant of frost and extremely low or high temperatures. Frost occurs when temperatures drop below freezing (32°F or 0°C), causing ice crystals to form on plant tissues, which can be detrimental to the growth, health, and productivity of hemp plants.
The impact of frost on hemp plants can include cellular damage, where ice crystals form within plant cells, causing them to rupture and die. This damage hinders the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigour. Frost can also cause tissue injury, affecting the external tissues and resulting in wilting, discolouration, and tissue necrosis. Leaves and stems may appear blackened or brown, indicating frost damage. Additionally, frost-damaged leaves may experience reduced photosynthesis, impacting the plant's energy production and overall yield.
While hemp plants generally prefer subtropical climates with heat, humidity, and rainfall, they can adapt to different environments. Some hemp species are native to colder regions, such as the Ruderalis species in Russia, which can survive in frozen ground for nine months of the year. However, extremely low temperatures and prolonged frost periods can challenge hemp cultivation. Growers in frost-prone regions must understand hemp's frost tolerance and implement protective measures to ensure the resilience of their crops.
In Australia, Tasmania and NSW grow the most hemp due to their cooler subtropical climates. Other states like Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland can also support hemp cultivation. However, the further north you go, the climate tends to be drier and hotter during the summer, which could make it tougher to grow hemp. To address this challenge, researchers like Professor David McNeil are developing seed strains better suited to warmer and drier conditions in Australia's north. By leveraging hemp genetics, growers can improve their crops' resilience to harsh climatic conditions and reduce the risks of crop failure.
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Hemp seeds can be purchased from Midlands Seed, one of Australia's top agricultural producers
Midlands Seed offers a wide range of quality seeds, including high-value hybrid vegetable seeds, herbage seeds, and a variety of Australian-grown pulses, oilseeds, and cereals. Their hemp seeds are harvested from the THC-free hemp plant (*Cannabis sativa*), ensuring a sustainable and renewable source of digestible protein, vitamins, and minerals. These seeds can be used for further processing into oils, flours, or protein powders, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
The company prioritizes research and has been committed to securing its future and that of its farmer clientele since its inception. This focus on research is coupled with strong relationships with world-renowned research and marketing organizations, contributing to their success. Midlands Seed also creates long-term partnerships with its growers, suppliers, and customers, offering complete traceability from the planted seed to the final product.
As one of Australia's leading agricultural producers, Midlands Seed is a trusted source for hemp seeds. Their seeds are grown under optimal conditions, leveraging Tasmania's favorable environment for hemp cultivation. With their dedication to research, partnerships, and product quality, Midlands Seed is well-positioned to support the expanding hemp industry in Australia and beyond.
In addition to Midlands Seed, there are other reputable sources for hemp seeds in Australia. Hemp Farms Australia (HFA), based in Queensland, is an industrial hemp farming agribusiness that cultivates, processes, and sells hemp seeds, among other components. HFA combines traditional breeding methods with genomic-supported data to develop seed strains suitable for various climates, including harsher conditions. Their non-GMO seeds are designed for high yield, fast growth, and sustainability, contributing to the expansion of the hemp industry.
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A hemp license is required in Australia to grow and process industrial hemp
Hemp is a hardy and versatile plant that can adapt to different environments, including subtropical climates like those found in Tasmania and NSW, the two leading hemp-growing states in Australia. Other states like Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland can also meet the criteria for growing hemp. However, it may be more challenging to grow hemp in the north due to the intense heat and dryness during the summer months.
To grow hemp in Australia, you must obtain a hemp license for industrial hemp or medicinal cannabis. The requirements and authorizing bodies for these licenses differ. For industrial hemp, licenses are issued by state authorities, such as Agriculture Victoria in the state of Victoria. These licenses are for the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp with low THC content for non-therapeutic purposes. The allowable THC content in Victoria is 0.5% or less for seeds used for sowing, and crops with up to 1% THC can be processed for food and fiber.
On the other hand, medicinal cannabis licenses are issued by the Commonwealth Office of Drug Control and must be for medicinal or scientific purposes. These licenses involve a more rigorous application process, requiring evidence that the applicant is a "fit and proper person" and incurring costs of at least $50,000 for the license and relevant permits. Additionally, an annual charge of $27,830 is required to maintain the license.
It is important to note that licenses are non-transferable, and certain criteria must be met to be eligible for a license. For example, Agriculture Victoria will not issue a license if the applicant or any associate has been found guilty of a serious offense in the last ten years. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements and regulations for obtaining a hemp license in your state or territory.
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Frequently asked questions
Hemp grows best in Australia's cooler subtropical climates, such as Tasmania and New South Wales. Other states like Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland can also meet these criteria. However, the further north you go, the tougher it is to grow hemp due to the intense dryness in the summer.
Hemp plants tend to perform better in subtropical climates with heat and humidity and plenty of rainfall. They are intolerant of frost and excessively cold or hot climates, which narrows the regions in Australia where hemp can be grown. Hemp plants require soil temperatures of around 18°C for germination and optimum temperatures for growth between 15-27°C.
Hemp grows well in fertile, neutral-to-slightly alkaline, well-drained clay loam or silt loam soil types. Hemp is intolerant of wet, flooded, or waterlogged soils.
A license is required to grow industrial hemp in Australia. These licenses are issued by state governments, such as Agriculture Victoria in the state of Victoria. Applicants must not have been found guilty of a serious drug offense or have an association with someone who has. Licenses are required for growers, researchers, and seed handlers.
There are a number of private Australian companies that sell the correct genetic seeds for growing hemp in Australia. The Australian Hemp Council can point you in the right direction.
