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.