Blog Post

Australia aims for slice of $61.5bn hemp industry

Elizabeth Gracie
This first successful export of hemp seed to New Zealand has taken place under 2017 legislation that allowed the transfer of low-THC hemp seed foods.

Australian hemp growers were permitted by the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code to access the growing THC hemp seed food products export market, an industry worth more than $500m globally. 

It is a stepping stone to a medicinal cannabis export market, with the global medical cannabis industry expected to be worth approximately $61.5bn Australian dollars by 2024. 

This effort included the legalisation of exporting cannabis products in February 2018 through the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Regulations Act. 

The move will ensure that legitimate and legally sanctioned exporters of narcotic goods such as seeds, raw hemp and hemp food products are supported and allowed to access emerging export markets. 

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud welcomed the move to capitalise on the global hemp export market. 

“For Australian farmers, reliable access to overseas markets means increased profitability and certainty for further investment in their properties and people,” said Littleproud. 

Australian farmers will also reap the benefits of an open hemp market as well as supporting a legal and stable medical cannabis industry in Australia 

“For the Australian economy, it means more jobs, more exports, and higher incomes in a competitive and profitable agricultural sector,” said Littleproud. 

“The new legislation removes unnecessary regulatory barriers and will support better access to international markets for the emerging hemp and medical cannabis industries”. 

Littleproud says the open market will lead to a more prosperous and productive Australia. 


NEWS
15 May, 2024
18,000+ growers, 350+ buyers, 20 Million+ tonnes traded, $7 Billion+ securely settled.
15 May, 2024
An Aussie start-up is arming agribusinesses across the country with the financial tools to better manage weather risk.
By By David Elmouttie, Head of Broadacre at BASF Australia & New Zealand 15 May, 2024
In the next five years, BASF is doubling down on its commitment to research and development in the Australian market.
15 May, 2024
After a four-year-long development process, Bourgault Industries has released the 4420 DK™ Drill with the promise of greater precision, yield and efficiency for farmers.
16 Feb, 2024
HARDI Australia has long been at the forefront of technological development for Australian farmers, giving way to a game-changing solution to the perennial agricultural problem of weed control.
By Jessica Martyn 16 Feb, 2024
When it comes to building and maintaining a successful farming business in Australia, implementing the right solutions to deliver and preserve essential resources like fresh water is crucial – and in these ponds, White International is an authority more than 70 years strong.
Show More
Share by: