http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/tasmanian-country/industrial-hemp-association-of-tasmania-welcomes-food-nod/news-story/9593fa0e396c1302935aac9b64df91e9
Tasmanina growers are cheering as hemp seed has finally been cleared as a food product for human consumption in Australia.
Growers say the move is likely to double the crop area and create new industries.
Industrial Hemp Association of Tasmania president Tim Schmidt said growers were delighted a health ministers’ forum endorsed the Food Standards Australia New Zealand recommendation to allow hemp to be legally designated as a food.
Hemp grown for food and fibre has low levels of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinoids and it cannot be used as a drug.
“This is a great win for all Tasmanians,” Mr Schmidt said.
He said the change was brought about by support from all political parties and praised the efforts of Primary Industry Minister Jeremy Rockcliff and Health Minister Ferguson.
Tasmania is the nation’s largest grower of industrial hemp. It has been grown in the state since the 1990s with almost 300ha grown last season.
In six months’ time Australian consumers are expected to have legal access a food that is high in omega 3, 6 and 9 oils, high in protein and essential fats and contains no cholesterol.
Industrial hemp is known to be excellent soil conditioner requiring few chemicals, used in farm rotations and is positive for improved land management.
