Industrial hemp is one of the most versatile bioresources on the planet, with a myriad of uses including construction materials, textiles, sustainable packaging, and bioremediation. Various areas in Gippsland may be suited to commercial hemp fibre production and processing due to existing land use, a history of horticulture production, availability of irrigated water, relative proximity to processing facilities and low opportunity cost compared with other regions.

On 16th May, an Entrepreneurial Discovery Workshop (EDP) will gather evidence from key stakeholders to assess the viability of a potential industrial hemp fibre industry for the Gippsland region, and inform its future development.

Supported by regional and rural Victoria, the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) coordinated a Smart Specialisation (S3) showcase in South Gippsland late last year. More than 70 stakeholders and partners from across the state met over two days, to learn about how the S3 methodology is applied in the LVA’s work across the region in collaboration with their partners.

Vertical farming and industrial hemp are two sustainable industry opportunities currently being scoped for the Gippsland region. Their development is being researched, defined and delivered on as part of the Gippsland Smart Specialisation Strategy’s food and fibre stream.