The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports
The first hemp crops to be grown in Victoria since legislation changes late last year are now ready for harvest.
Growers, manufacturers and retailers have all experienced an increase in demand for the product since the changes came into play.
James Hood, a farmer from Victoria’s western district, founded his own hemp company, Australian Primary Hemp, after trialling the crop on his family property.
Mr Hood identified a gap in the market and, recognising the international demand for Australian-grown products, combined his family’s farming history with a viable supply chain.
Mr Hood’s company supplies farmers directly with the seed and purchases the crop back off local farmers once harvested.
The seed is then dehulled and processed in the family’s Geelong facility before being turned into edible products such as hemp oil or protein powder.
