HEMP HIGH ON AGENDA

AS FAR as Keith Bolton is concerned, the future of farming on the
Northern Rivers lies with industrial hemp.

Dr Bolton and his farming partner, Kenrick Riley, have recently
harvested their first commercial hemp crop at Mr Riley's property at
Jiggi.

The pair hold two of the three commercial licences issued by the NSW
Department of Primary Industries since it became legal to grow the
crop. The other licence is held by Klara Marosszeky in the Nimbin
region, who is focused on developing hemp manufacturing.

Dr Bolton said this year's crop was hindered by licensing delays,
which meant they could not get the seeds into the ground until early
autumn.

Although the crop, covering about 500 square metres, did not yield
enough for manufacturing purposes, it did provide a good seed bank
for the spring planting.

"Given the duress our plants were under, the ones that did survive
demonstrate this will be an excellent crop for this region," Mr Riley
said.

Not that farmers interested in growing hemp can wander into their
paddock and scatter the seeds around.

The Department of Primary Industries is charging $700 for a five-year
licence, plus $200 annually, and growers have to pay for annual tests
to ensure their crop does not exceed TCH levels. Nevertheless, Dr
Bolton is optimistic about the potential of industrial hemp.

He said broad-acre plantations could be used for industrial purposes,
while higher-quality hemp could become a food crop if it were made
legal.

"We have excellent climatic conditions for hemp and this region has
always supported innovative eco-technologies," Dr Bolton said.

People interested in hemp farming can attend the Northern River Hemp
Industry annual general meeting on July 6 at 5pm at 43 Ewing Street,
Lismore. For details call 66215 123.