VICTORIAN FARMERS TO TRY HEMP CROPS

Hemp could be planted in Victoria as early as next month to determine if
hemp oilseed production could benefit farmers.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is seeking low-THC hemp
varieties from Eastern Europe after a request from a North American company
to examine Australia's potential as a supplier.

A Ballarat-based agronomist with the department, Mr Chris Bluett, said the
first Australian hemp oilseed trials were likely to go ahead near Ballarat
and in north-eastern Victoria next month, possibly on department and
private land.

A 1998 Victorian legislative amendment made it possible to grow hemp
oilseed under strict conditions for industrial purposes, Mr Bluett said.
Victoria is one of only a few places in the Western world allowing hemp
production.

The performance of hemp oilseed varieties in Victoria has not been tested,
so little is known about the summer-growing crop's potential under dryland
or irrigation conditions.

But interest in a hemp oilseed industry is coming from farmers, oilseed
crushers and business, with the key existing market being the cosmetics
industry.

"It's a potential industry waiting to happen", Mr Bluett said.

He said hemp seed yielded a quality oil with a good fatty acid profile that
had gained favor in the cosmetics industry.

The Body Shop chain markets skin-conditioning products containing hemp
oilseed. The company's communication manager, Ms Nicki Burkinshaw, said
demand for hemp oil products was growing.

Although supply was currently sufficient, with the oil mostly sourced from
France, Ms Burkinshaw welcomed the possibility of Victorian suppliers.