IN GOOD news for those looking for a potential new venture, initial trials have shown industrial hemp can be successfully grown under South Australian conditions as an irrigated summer crop.
The industry has been estimated by the SA government to be worth as much as $3 million in farmgate value each year within five years.
A preliminary report from SARDI from the 2017-18 industrial hemp trials in the Riverland and South East has indicated there is potential for the crop to be a viable option for SA growers.
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But the trial has shown the crop needs to avoid waterlogging, have access to high quality water – at least during the early stages – and performs best in high plant density to maximise weed control.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the trial results would assist growers to make better-informed decisions.
“What this report demonstrates is the exciting potential the industrial hemp industry has in SA as an alternative industry assisting farmers to diversify,” he said.
Industrial hemp is cultivated for seed or fibre production.
Hemp fibre and pulp can be used in industrial and consumer textiles, paper and building materials, while hemp seed and hemp seed oil can be used in industrial products, cosmetics and food products.
What this report demonstrates is the exciting potential the industrial hemp industry has in SA as an alternative industry assisting farmers to diversify.
- TIM WHETSTONE
It is produced from cannabis plants with low tetrahydrocannabinol content.
The crop was first touted in SA in late 2016 by Greens MLC Tammy Green, who tabled a private members bill to allow the growing of the crop, before the legislation was passed in April last year.
The first hemp licenses were allocated in April this year.
“There are now 10 licences for cultivating and two for processing approved by the state government, so it is clear there is ongoing interest in growing industrial hemp in SA,” Mr Whetstone said.
The first trials were held at Loxton and Kybybolite with five varieties selected for comparison and different sowing times tested under irrigation.
The results were mixed across the two sites with the late and mid-late varieties ECO-16AH and Han-NE the top yielding varieties at Loxton, while early and mid varieties ECO_50GC and Ferimon were lowest yielding.
At Kybybolite there was less clarity between varieties with ECO_50GC and Ferimon yielding well in early time of sowing trials but not in the later-sown trials.
The trial also found water salinity was an issue at the Kybybolite site with salt burn symptoms evident in the young crop and some plant death. But more mature plants did not show the same effects.
A second season of trials is under way at Loxton and Maaoupe, in the Coonawarra, to replicate the trials in different seasonal conditions. These new trials will also remove underperforming varieties and evaluate some additional ones.
Researchers say future research may include plant density, irrigation and fertiliser rates, as well as the effect these will have on yield and the quality of the grain, fibre and hurd.
