A positive outcome would allow NZ to capture its share of a new, fast-growing international food market.
Government regulators were scheduled to meet in Australia to consider endorsing the production and the sale of hemp seed products for human consumption in NZ.
Cropping industry leaders said it was an exciting diversification opportunity with potential for new jobs and exports.
In December, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) reaffirmed a previous recommendation the sale of hemp seed products for human consumption should be permitted.
Now growers were waiting on the Australia and NZ Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation to endorse the FSANZ decision at its meeting on January 30.
Hemp seed had been successfully grown in NZ for the past 10 years, with products exported and sold as food to several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.
The recent FSANZ decision meant more hemp crops could be grown in NZ in the future, NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) general manger Thomas Chin said.
In particular, the South Island’s Canterbury Plains was well placed to capitalise on a positive ministerial decision because existing seed production, harvesting, drying and seed cleaning operations were well established and globally recognised.
Hemp seed production was well suited to Canterbury because of its temperate climate and ideal soils, Chin said.
“The creation of new jobs and the potential of new export opportunities should come our way with the strong international demand for hemp seed.”
JOHN DUNCAN
NZGSTA
“The industry is ready to capture the added value and economic benefits that this new agricultural crop presents if we encounter forward thinking trans-Tasman food standard regulations.
“And our politicians cannot afford to lose sight of the chance to diversify and broaden NZ’s cropping base,” he said.
Wairarapa was another region with climate and soil conditions conducive to hemp seed production.
“Potentially there is opportunity for the cropping industry right across the country,” Chin said.
NZGSTA president John Duncan said NZ could reasonably expect to become a world-class hemp seed producer in line with its status as a leading counter-season exporter of other high-value seed crops such as hybrid carrot, beet, radish, ryegrass and clover.
“Great prospects exist for NZ growers.
“The creation of new jobs and the potential of new export opportunities should come our way with the strong international demand for hemp seed,” Duncan said.
