ANOTHER BID TO PLANT HEMP

NELSON -- Motueka horticulture scientist Peter Smale says he will
reapply to plant a trial research crop of industrial hemp.

His decision followed last week's announcement by Customs Minister
Phillida Bunkle approving a working party by the Customs Service to
resolve differing opinions on the crop.

Mr Smale's application to grow a hemp test crop came to a halt after
police and the National Drug Intelligence Agency expressed concerns
last year.

The Government postponed setting up a working party, infuriating
industrial promoters.

Although the make-up of the working party has not been finalised, it
is likely to include representatives from police, Federated Farmers,
the Hemp Industries' Association, scientists, and the Health and
Commerce Ministries.

"I intend to make an application as soon as an announcement is made as
to what will be the licence conditions," Mr Smale said.

He said Ms Bunkle's announcement was a positive move.

"We are closer to getting somewhere now than we have ever
been."

Mr Smale said his deadline for applying for a licence to grow a trial
crop was June or July.

"That will give us time to import seed and meet whatever security
measures are required."

Mr Smale said he believed the issue had been used as a political
football.

"England, Canada, and Australia have been through the same process,
but New Zealand had to reinvent the wheel."

Hemp Industries' Association chairman Mac McIntosh said setting up the
working party was a major development on the road to growing the plant
in New Zealand. "After three years of negativity and obstructiveness
from the Government, what a delight to get a positive response," Mr
McIntosh said.

Hemp products are already made and sold in New Zealand, but the raw
materials have to be imported.

Arguably the most famous hemp product here is a suit made for Green MP
Nandor Tanczos's swearing-in at Parliament last month.

The Green Party has been seeking a trial crop of hemp. --NZPA