OCTOBER 2017 | Emma Hodgekinson

GROWING HEMP seeds in the Meander Valley is set to flourish, due to changes in the law regarding the human consumption of hemp products.

Industrial Hemp Association of Tasmania president, Tim Schmidt, has been growing hemp on his Meander Valley Farm for five years.  He looks forward to planting another successful crop as the warm weather approaches.

The plant has many different uses.  The fibres can be processed into fabric to make clothing and bags.  The hurd, (hemp wood) can be used to make animal bedding, mulch, and insulation.  The most common use for the seed is crushing it into oil to make skincare products.  However, the seed has many more benefits when ingested.

Hemp seeds are not dangerous to consume as it contains little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), (the psychotropic cannabinoid found in Marijuana that causes psychoactive reactions).  This means that hemp seeds are safe for human consumption.  Until recently, hemp was classified as illegal to consume as a cannabis-based plant, despite its low THC levels.

Now the seeds can legally be used in foods. They have many different applications and benefits, (flour, oil and cereals, or it can be eaten on its own).  It is rich with vitamins and minerals, protein, healthy fats.  It contains more omega 3 than fish oil.  It can also decrease your risk of heart disease, help keep your skin healthy and is one of the easiest foods to digest.  Hemp seeds also have a delicious, nutty flavour.

Mr Schmidt recommends that consumers purchase Australian grown hemp seeds. They are grown in a safer environment and at a higher quality compared to overseas production.

“Growing hemp here in Meander Valley is great because of Tasmania’s soft climate.  Also, Australia as a whole has some of the best food safety in the world,” says Mr Schmidt.

“What we’re looking to produce is a top-quality product that is recognised for its safety, health, cleanliness and its benefits for the consumer.”

Hemp’s growing season is short in Tasmania due to the short-lasting summer, and wet weather.  This doesn’t affect the product’s quality.

“We don’t start planting until November.  By then the farm is dried out enough and then we harvest it in March,” says Mr Schmidt.  “Our aim is to produce a unique Tasmanian top-quality product.”

Mr Schmidt’s hemp seeds are distributed to Fair Foods, where they can be purchased at www.fairfoods.com.au.  The website has more information and recipe ideas.

Photo | Mike Moores