Hemp advocates have argued for decades for the production of hemp seed foods as a multi-million-dollar export earner.
The regulatory changes will enable a new range of cropping options for farmers, build on production expertise and infrastructure in Canterbury and help grow export earnings.
“There’s no reason why NZ can’t become a leading global supplier of seed for the global market as we are in forage and vegetable seeds,” Chin said.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the move has potential to generate $10 million to $20m of export revenue in three to five years.
It’s a move also aimed at stimulating regional economies and creating jobs.
Drug and food regulations will be amended to allow the sale of hemp seed as food from today. November 12.
O’Connor said diversification is key to the health of a regional economy and the Government is committed to working with primary sectors to get more value from what they do.
Hemp is already grown under permit and is used for fibre and hemp seed oil.
“Hulled, non-viable seeds and their products will be now be viewed as just another edible seed,” O’Connor said.
Hemp seeds are safe to eat, nutritious and do not have a psychoactive effect but growing, possessing and trading whole seeds will still require a licence from the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry for Primary Industries will ensure the THC levels in the hemp food products are monitored through the normal process of ensuring food is safe and suitable to eat.
Those processes involve registering a business under the Food Act, following a risk management programme and meeting all other MPI requirements.
Importing whole hemp seeds will still need a licence from the Ministry of Health.
Hulled hemp seeds and hemp food products will not require a licence.
There were no objections to the proposal to allow low-THC hemp food products from government agencies including the Ministry of Health, Police, Customs and the Ministry of Transport.
“We will continue to ease pathways for our farmers and growers to produce the finest food and fibre for the world’s most discerning customers,” O’Connor said.
The Police and Ministry of Health will enforce the licensing regime.
The levels of active cannabinoids in low-THC hemp food products are well below those in pharmaceutical grade cannabis products.
