With reference to the alert we published August 31 2026
Saying
“Unless the necessary local data trials are undertaken, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority permit will lapse. Without access to bromoxynil, growers will not plant hemp seed-for-food crops in Tasmania in 2027.”
Mr Schmidt said the Tasmanian Hemp Association had been informed of the issue but its decision not to support the Australian Hemp Council had left Tasmania without adequate representation at the national level.
The Australian Hemp Council works with national regulators on issues including agricultural chemical permits and promotes the development of hemp food, fibre, fodder, extracts, carbon opportunities and industry research.
Mr Schmidt said, “Tasmania is the only state that does not support the council, despite the clear benefits its work can provide to our growers and the wider industry.
The Tasmanian Hemp Association has published the following response received by CLR 8 September 2026
“Official Response to Schmidt Media Release The Tasmanian Hemp Association’s (THA) elected Committee was surprised and disappointed to see the confusing media release written by expelled member Tim Schmidt expressing concerns about the status of Permit 86924 and the potential impact to our state’s industry.
Permit 86924 is currently held by the Australian Hemp Council (AHC) and AgAware Consulting Pty Ltd for Bromoxynil, Chlorantraniliprole, Diquat, Haloxyfop, Indoxacarb and Nucleopolyhedrovirus of Helicoverpa armigera.
The THA, although not a member of the AHC, has been communicating openly about this matter with the national body and other stakeholders on behalf of our Growers and Corporate Members for over a year.
In April 2026, we confirmed with the AHC and AgAware Consulting that they intended to renew the Permit for Bromoxynil and Chlorantraniliprole. That same month, we were advised that two test sites had been nominated through the Agrifutures Australian Industrial Hemp Program of Research (AIHPR) to arrange the residual testing required for renewal, and no data from Tasmania was required.
Results of those trials were expected around the end of August, and the AIHPR would provide guidance on whether Tasmania needed to provide additional data before our own growing season later in the year.
Yesterday, the THA confirmed with AHC President Matt Lariba and an AgriFutures representative that the trial data for the NT and NSW trials is still being compiled, and at this stage, they do not believe Tasmania will be required to provide additional residual data. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates to our membership as further relevant information comes to light and when action is required.
1st September 2026 info@tasmanianhempassociation.
