The AIHPR, a key initiative under the AgriFutures Australia emerging industries portfolio, is set to run for five years managed by Southern Cross University. This program is strategically aligned with the Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic RD&E Plan, aiming to lead comprehensive research across four primary themes: Hemp Seeds and Varieties (Theme 1), Primary Production (Theme 2), Product Development (Theme 3), and Sustainability (Theme 4).
This presentation will detail the collaborative framework of the AIHPR, highlighting contributions from key partners and outlining the program objectives. Theme 1, under the lead of the NT Department of Industry Tourism and Trade, will advance a foundational assessment of hemp varieties, focusing on product profiles and suitability across Australia's diverse agroecological zones. This endeavour aims to equip growers with critical data to inform varietal selection, ensuring suitability for specific environmental conditions and market demands.
Theme 2, led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, is dedicated to refining hemp agronomy. This includes the formulation of Best Management Practices including sowing rates, nitrogen application, and comprehensive IPM strategies. The goal is to establish robust agronomic protocols that mitigate crop failure risks and enhance yield potential across various cultivation environments.
Charles Sturt University leading Theme 3, focuses on transformation of hemp seed into high-value end products for livestock and companion animals, aiming to improve product quality and animal welfare. This theme also explores the processing of hemp seed meal by-products into health-promoting peptides and the development of innovative applications for hemp fibre and biomass.
Theme 4, under Southern Cross University guidance, aims to articulate the sustainability credentials of industrial hemp in Australia. This involves a holistic examination of hemp's lifecycle (LCA), from cultivation through to processing and final product utilisation, with an emphasis on carbon management.
The AIHPR is committed to providing a robust, evidence-based foundation to support the entire hemp value chain, enhancing the confidence of stakeholders in the economic viability and environmental sustainability of the Australian hemp industry.
The AIHPR aims to assist the hemp industry by addressing agronomic and sustainability challenges to enhance commercial viability and environmental responsibility. By developing focused cultivation practices and sustainability frameworks, AIHPR seeks to optimise hemp production, facilitating market entry for new hemp products. This initiative is poised to attract private investment, integrate hemp into existing cropping systems, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products, positioning Australian hemp at the forefront of the global hemp industry.