THE SOUTHERN
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986
MAY, 2018
WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING
SEEDS, FERTILISERS AND PASTURE PAGE 10 - 11
www.farmernews.com.au
FARM WORLD WRAP UP
PAGE 16 - 17
PAGE 12
We don’t see this as a novelty super food – we believe it will continue to be a productive industry within the domestic and international markets - Marketing and communications coordinator at Australian Primary Hemp, Georgina Beasley.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Australian Primary Hemp released their first line of edible seeds this month, another feather in the company’s ever-widening cap. Having harvested some 700 hectares this season, they predict triple that will be sown during 2018/2019.
Seeds of the future
WHEN you think about edible hemp, the image of a farm is not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind. But over the last few months, harvesters rolled out across the state – ready to strip and process more than 700 hectares of the crop. It has been a long road – especially for the team at Australian Primary Hemp (APH), the nation’s largest independently owned edible hemp company. Started in 2016 by four farmers – James Hood, Char-
Australian Primary Hemp releases edible seeds
lie and Alexandra Mann, and Skye Patterson - the business partners were looking to diversify into something innovative but environmental. After dismissing crickets, they settled on hemp – and the government decision to allow the sale of low level tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) foods as of November last year could not have come at a better time.
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As a business, Australian Primary Hemp has a three pronged approach to farming. Along with their own hemp crop grown in the Western District, the company also has a major processing plant in Geelong, contracts with farmers across the state – with guaranteed buy-backs - and a wholesale and retail product line. Sold in boutique health
food shops and online, APH produces a cold pressed oil, protein powder and, as of this month, edible seeds. APH harvested their first crop of edible hemp in April – with the product due to be available to the public in May. It is the first time the company have offered seeds in their raw form, and is indicative of the market confidence felt by the business.
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“We don’t see this as a novelty super food – we believe it will continue to be a productive industry within the domestic and international markets,” marketing and communications coordinator at Australian Primary Hemp, Georgina Beasley, said. “We can’t keep up with demand – we are always looking for more farmers who want to be involved.”
The Australian hemp industry has always been relatively small – in 2012, just 185.5 hectares were sown to industrial varieties. But with the recent legalisation of edible hemp, APH is confident the market will increase – and accordingly plan to triple their harvest in 2018/2019.
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