Hemp housing a real growth industry

INDUSTRIAL hemp farming will be in the spotlight at this year’s Seymour Expo.

Industrial Hemp Association of Victoria vice president David Brian in a hemp crop.

INDUSTRIAL hemp farming will be in the spotlight at this year’s Seymour Expo.

Industrial Hemp Association of Victoria vice- president David Brian and hemp growers Cathy and Andrew Briant, who are trialling varieties at Neerim, will talk about growing requirements and industry opportunities on Sunday, February 17 in the expo Learning Hub.

“It will be an overview of how to grow hemp,” said David, who runs building business Southern Hemp. “What sort of soil types it’s suitable for, what parts of Victoria it’s suited for and where more research needs to be done.

“It really is to encourage interested farmers who might look to plant in October or November and there is plenty of time to get a licence. That is another aspect of the talk — the government licence guidelines that farmers need.”

The presentation will touch on the difference between hemp grown for seed and for fibre. Fibre crops are grown for their stalks and harvested once they reach 4-5m high, while seed crops are harvested earlier and nitrogen-rich stalks are often ploughed back into soil.

David will also cover the benefits of building with hemp and demonstrate the process by making six hemp dog kennels over the three-day expo.

He said the activity was designed to be hands-on so visitors could get involved.

“Because they look like small houses people can see what a hemp house looks like,” he said.

“With high energy prices, comfortable energy-efficient hemp housing has an enormous future in Australia and with a negative carbon footprint, hemp houses are also great for the environment.”

Hemp seed foods will also be featured in cooking demos at the Expo.