21 June 2023, 9:42
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Australian Hemp Council’s inaugural fibre forum held at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong. The fibre forum brought together an international line-up of dynamic and diverse industry professionals, experts and enthusiasts in the field of hemp fibre. Held over two days, the forum provided an opportunity for collaboration and networking as ideas were shared on how to get the best out of crop production and manufacturing. The message of the forum was that hemp is the future. It is a low-input crop well-suited for modern farming systems. As a sustainable plant-based building material it can achieve zero carbon production outlay. It uses little water, with positive soil health, and it absorbs carbon, so it is a natural tool for rapid growth in decarbonisation.
Those in the industry are incredibly supportive of the inquiry into industrial hemp that is soon to commence in the Economy and Infrastructure Committee and are keen to provide their expertise. I want to thank the Australian Hemp Council for the opportunity to attend.
[ENDS]
