THE vision for making Mildura the hemp capital of Victoria took an exciting step on Wednesday, with the official release of the first Interim Report of the Industrial Hemp Taskforce at SuniTAFE.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper joined Victorian Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes at SuniTAFE’s Smart Farm – which is about to embark on an industrial hemp growing trial.

The trial is a partnership between SuniTAFE and Australian Primary Hemp to grow industrial hemp while assessing and collecting data on different low-THC hemp varieties.

SuniTAFE this week was officially granted its license for the trial, which is hoped to be the catalyst for the establishment of a local production industry which would boost employment and offer economic gains.

The trial has the backing of the Industrial Hemp Taskforce, which is co-chaired by Ms Symes, Ms Cupper and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Fiona Patten MP.

The release of the first interim report of the Taskforce is an important step towards unlocking the social, economic and environmental benefits of this highly tough and versatile fibre, which is particularly suited to hot climates like Mildura.

“Industrial hemp has so many practical uses and we have only scratched the surface of the opportunities that could benefit the Mildura electorate,” Ms Cupper said.

“Hemp is currently grown in Victoria – including Sunraysia – mainly for food purposes but there is so much potential in textiles, cosmetics, construction, insultation and many other uses.

“If the current trial is a success, the hope is for a production facility to be based in the Mildura electorate – that is certainly something I’ll be lobbying hard for.”