Interest in building with hemp, particularly hempcrete, is growing alongside ongoing innovation. The construction sector sits at the centre of the climate challenge. By sharing knowledge and real-world examples, we can accelerate a shift toward materials and practices that support both environmental and community outcomes.
The recent Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into opportunities for the development of a hemp industry in Australia provides one of the clearest snapshots to date of where the sector stands, and what must happen next.
For members of iHemp NSW, the findings reinforce what many already experience on the ground: strong potential across multiple sectors – seed, food, fibre, building and wellness – but persistent structural barriers preventing scale.
At Hempscape, we supply premium lime binders, renders, and building-grade hemp shiv to builders, designers, and developers working with low-carbon materials across Northern NSW and Southeast QLD.
A significant NSW Government grant is currently open that presents a real opportunity for the industrial hemp sector in NSW, and for iHemp NSW to play a stronger, more effective role in supporting industry growth. The Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program is designed to accelerate the uptake of innovative technology and equipment, improve supply chain productivity, open new export markets, and reduce emissions across the agricultural sector. With funding available from $500,000 to $4 million, this program is aimed at projects that deliver practical, on-the-ground outcomes, not business-as-usual activity. Industrial hemp aligns strongly with the program’s objectives, particularly in plant-based industries, low-emissions materials, regional development, and supply chain innovation. Why this grant matters for industrial hemp High-level project ideas that could work for iHemp NSW Below are concept-level ideas only. Any project would need to be developed with industry partners and co-investment. Statewide hemp supply chain enablement Regional hemp processing and equipment access hubs Low-emissions hemp materials validation and scale Export-ready hemp fibre and hurd development Aboriginal-led hemp enterprise partnerships Industry backbone and delivery capacity What this grant is not for Projects must be time-bound, outcomes-driven, and focused on equipment, technology, and measurable industry impact. Next steps iHemp NSW is exploring whether a strong, industry-led project can be developed that aligns with the program requirements. Any application would require: If you are a grower, processor, manufacturer, or regional organisation interested in being part of a potential project, we encourage you to reach out and start the conversation early. This is a rare opportunity to build real capability for the NSW hemp industry, and to do it at the scale required to make lasting change. NSW Agriculture Grant Opportunity for the Hemp Industry
