After years of lobbying by local growers and manufacturers, regulators finally look set to approve the hemp plant for human consumption in Australia.
Legislation changes are due to go before the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation in April, when the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meet.
Local hemp food growers and manufacturers such as Hemp Foods Australia say they are keenly awaiting the decision. These companies are currently only able to sell their products overseas, with use of hemp only approved in Australia for topical use.
However hemp seeds contain a range of vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a natural source of B vitamins, D3 minerals, making them a nutritious food ingredient.
The international market for hemp foods is currently estimated at $1 billion annually, and if approved, local manufacturers expect demand for Australian hemp foods to quadruple.
Hemp Foods Australia founder Paul Benhaim said Australian hemp farmers are excited about the prospective legalisation of the crop as a food and its separation from marijuana.
“This is a very positive step towards more sustainable farming in Australia – in addition to added job opportunities for Australia’s farming industry.
“Food Standards Australia and New Zealand has recommended that low THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the pyscho-active ingredient in marijuana) hemp be approved as a food in Australia.
“We have to remember that hemp is not marijuana and contains no or very low levels of THC, the drug component of marijuana.”
“In addition to this, as a food, hemp is a highly nutritious source of plant-based protein and can be used as food ingredients like flour, oil and protein powder,” Benhaim said.
“Hemp is a plant-based, rich source of Omegas, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and is also free from soy and diary.
“Hemp seeds contain more polyunsaturated fatty acids than any other food and are the only food to contain Omega 3 and 6 in just the right amounts to meet our nutritional needs.
“Just one tablespoon of Hemp seeds contains over 7,000mg of essential fatty acids," he said.
Australian farmer, Harry Youngman also welcomed the impending approval of hemp as a food.
“Hemp is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly crops in the world and many areas of Australia are perfect for growing hemp.
“Demand is building internationally for hemp as a source of paper, clothing, building materials, fuel and as a food.
“We’re really hoping for approval to allow hemp as a food so that Aussie farmers can build their businesses and capitalise on the pent up demand,” Youngman said.
