Northern Rivers Hemp Field Trip
The iHemp NSW committee is excited to announce an inspiring 2.5-day field trip in the beautiful Northern Rivers region is in the making.
Ashford Hemp Industries expands and seeks local growers
These past few months have seen Ashford Hemp Industries (AHI), Leon Minos working hard with the team to get a second Ashford Hemp Processor established in New Zealand. Meanwhile Connie is wanting to talk with farmers who are growing or are considering growing hemp in North-West NSW to procure ongoing supply of quality bales. New Zealand’s Venture Taranaki have ramped up their hemp industry development with the purchase of an Ashford Hemp Processor. The installation differs to other processors AHI has supplied and we’re keen to see it in full operation over the coming days. If you would like further information about purchasing a Hemp Processor, please contact us on the details below. While Leon has been enjoying the beautiful scenery in the Taranaki area, Connie and the processing team continue to be busy processing hemp to supply hempcrete builds in NSW and QLD. “We are keen to establish an ongoing supply relationship with farms in the North-West NSW or southern QLD to ensure we continue meeting the growing demand of hemp fibre. Growing hemp generates soil improvement and income, but there are several key points that are essential in ensuring these benefits are accessed by both farmers and processors,” says Connie. Please contact Connie on the details below if you would like more information. Connie Minos EO iHemp NSW Director, Ashford Hemp Industries Ph 0477812163 E:connie@ashfordhempindustries.com
Getting hemp recognised nationally as a valuable crop
By Winton Evers | Managing Director | Eco Profit Management Pty Ltd Introduction Eco Profit has been developing the Eco Profit Hemp Platform, a live lifecycle carbon removals/emissions tracking tool throughout the hemp value chain. Please go to the link in the Hemp Building Directory for some background on the project. It has three stages: Stage one: the creation of a marketplace for hemp to join buyers, sellers and all stakeholders in the industry whilst introducing product specifications and forward contracting throughout the value chain (providing market certainty). Stage two is the creation of the provenance tool that will include GS1 barcoding and will track all hemp biomass from paddock to end product. This will mean the collection of the appropriate data right across the value chain. Stage three is the creation of carbon offsets. In Australia, that will mean getting approval from The ACCU Scheme to create official carbon offsets. However, to be able to get to this stage will require crops generally being recognised as being able to be used for storing carbon permanently (such as in buildings) and the hemp crop being recognised in Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI). On the first point, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which dictates the rules for national greenhouse gas emissions calculation is in the process of approving a new sub-category called Harvested Non-wood Biomass Products that will be a game changer. To the second point, the hemp industry will need to demonstrate that it will shortly be a material crop i.e. permanent carbon removals of greater than 0.5% of Australia’s national emissions and also, to be able to provide extensive data that will allow the Clean Energy Regulator to be able to facilitate its inclusion in the NGGI. With the goal of achieving that recognition I have prepared a suggested simplified roadmap to get there as follows: Phase 1 – Measurement & calibration (12–24 months) Conduct multi-state field trials on an ongoing basis to quantify hemp’s key crop attributes: dry matter by component, carbon content, residue returns, and SOC baselines underpinned by quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols and RothC validation. Please see Appendix A below with field trial details. Phase 2 – National data pipeline Formalise area, yield, and management reporting through ABARES/ABS or interim industry reporting aligned with their standards. Each state regulator would need to share data on licensed hemp plantings and harvests, and the Hemp Platform can capture this directly from the paddock to ensure transparency and traceability. Practically: create standard forms/application programming interfaces (APIs) for growers, processors, product manufacturers and product end use, QA/QC rules, aggregate by LGA/state, publish annual stats, get state regulators to share licensed planting/harvest data and work with ABARES/ABS towards inclusion in official ag statistics. Phase 3 – Integration with FullCAM Once crop data is validated, collaborate with DCCEEW to: Add hemp to the CAMAg crop list, Define management splits (residue retention, tillage, irrigation), and Integrate hemp into annual cropland modelling. This would enable Australia’s greenhouse gas inventory to reflect both emissions and removals associated with hemp cultivation and management. Phase 4 – Product durability & standards (future-proofing) Commission/collect studies on the durability and half-life of hempcrete and hemp composites, establishing credible parameters for the forthcoming HNBP framework. Work includes (such as the work Klara has been doing): Developing a Standards Australia Technical Specification for hemp-lime walling. Supporting National Construction Code (NCC) compliance through accredited testing and certification. Using the Hemp Platform to trace carbon removals across the value chain from crop to finished product. Phase 5 – ACCUs (future opportunity) Once the HNBP category is formalised, pursue an ACCU method for carbon storage in durable hemp products. In the meantime, build the evidence base: measure service-life, end-of-life outcomes, SOC change, and management practices. This ensures the industry is method-ready when the opportunity opens. This includes ensuring the data is captured from soil sequestration ACCU projects which involve associated hemp planting. APPENDIX A 1. Set up site-specific model inputs Climate: monthly rain & temperature and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Soils: clay %, bulk density, initial soil organic carbon (SOC) by depth, inert organic matter (IOM) estimate. Management: tillage, irrigation, cover crops. Carbon inputs: measured residue & root carbon, stubble height/returns. 2. Partition plant material into pools Map lab data e.g. lignin/ acid detergent fibre (ADF)/ acid detergent lignin (ADL), carbon-to-nitrogen ratio( C:N) to decomposable plant material/ resistant plant material (DPM/RPM) fractions required by RothC (fast vs resistant decomposable pools). 3. Calibrate starting state Use the baseline SOC e.g. 0–30 cm, equivalent soil mass) to initialise model pools including IOM for each site/plot. 4. Run forward with measured inputs Drive RothC with observed monthly inputs and management for the trial period (12–24+ months). This will mean accessing the RothC program and understanding specific data inputs into the program. 5.Compare model vs measurements Check predicted vs measured SOC stocks/stock-change (by depth, usually 0–10 & 10–30 cm). Stats: root mean square error/ mean absolute error (RMSE/MAE), bias (mean error), Coefficient of Determination(R²)/Nash–Sutcliffe; confidence intervals via Monte Carlo on uncertain inputs. 6. Sensitivity & uncertainty Vary key parameters (DPM/RPM, residue C, clay %, IOM) to show robustness and quantify uncertainty ranges. 7. Cross-site validation Demonstrate performance across multiple states/soils/rotations (not just one site) to show generalisability. 8. QA/QC evidence Field/lab standard operating procedures (SOPs), duplicates/blanks, bulk density & SOC lab checks, outlier rules, equivalent soil mass (ESM) corrections, versioned model configs.
Exploring the Future of Timber at Parliament House
By Harrison Marsh | Otetto Mid-October, we were proud to attend the Sustainable Timber Solutions Parliamentary Showcase at Parliament House, hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Forests, Forest Alliance NSW, and WWF-Australia. The evening brought together leaders from across the timber, construction, and sustainable materials industries to explore viable alternatives to native forest logging — a practice increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental and social impacts. It was a strong turnout, with industry professionals, policymakers, and innovators all engaging in meaningful discussions about the next chapter of timber in Australia. Opening remarks from Dermot O’Gorman, CEO of WWF-Australia, and Justin Field from Forest Alliance NSW set the tone for the night — highlighting the urgent need to protect our remaining native forests and accelerate the shift toward sustainable, regenerative materials. Displays from House of Bamboo, Hemp Inside, Bamboo Society Australia, Australian Hemp Council, iHempNSW, and BVN Architecture showcased how materials like hemp, bamboo, and engineered wood products are already reshaping what’s possible in the built environment. For us at Otetto, it was an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded innovators and explore how these materials can work together to fill the gaps. Finding Balance, Not Replacements While hemp and bamboo offer impressive performance and sustainability credentials, they are not a like-for-like replacement for hardwoods — either in performance or aesthetics. Trying to directly replace native timber with these materials is a bit like trying to make vegetarian food look and taste exactly like meat. Each has its own unique strengths and characteristics, and part of the challenge is learning how to design and build in a way that embraces those differences rather than mimicking the past. Supporting Industry Transition Another key takeaway from the event was the recognition that the transition away from native forest logging is not just an environmental issue — it’s also a people issue. The emerging hemp and bamboo industries can play a vital role in providing new opportunities for workers and regional communities historically tied to forestry. These new industries can offer sustainable, locally grown alternatives while supporting a fair and considered transition for those affected by industry change. The Importance of Responsible Land Management If a ban on native forest logging goes ahead, it’s essential that the land is managed correctly. Protecting forests is only part of the equation — how that land is maintained will determine the long-term success of the policy. Poor management practices, particularly around fire mitigation, have historically caused more damage to native habitats than sustainable, selective forestry operations. As highlighted by many within the agricultural and environmental sectors, including land managers with decades of experience, government agencies have often struggled to properly maintain the land they already oversee. Without proactive management, the risk of catastrophic fire events increases — ultimately threatening the very ecosystems these policies are designed to protect. At Otetto, we recognise this is a complex and sensitive space. Sustainable forestry and conservation can coexist if managed correctly. Regeneration, selective harvesting, and habitat corridor planting can all form part of a balanced approach that supports both environmental and economic outcomes. It’s not about one side being right and the other wrong — it’s about finding common ground where biodiversity is protected, and communities and industries can continue to thrive sustainably. Education and Collaboration As these sectors continue to grow, education will be critical. Suppliers, specifiers, builders, and end users all need better access to knowledge and training on how to implement these materials effectively. Understanding how to design, engineer, and build with hemp and bamboo will be key to ensuring they take root in the mainstream construction landscape. The event also saw encouraging interest from attending politicians, signalling growing recognition at the policy level of the potential these materials hold. This kind of support will be essential to helping the industry mature and scale responsibly. Looking Ahead The realities of native forest logging — as highlighted in recent reports by WWF-Australia — show why finding alternatives is so important. But as we saw at Parliament House, the solutions are already taking shape. With collaboration, education, and open-minded design thinking, we can move toward a future where sustainable materials like hemp and bamboo play a major role in Australia’s construction story. At Otetto, we’re proud to be part of that conversation and look forward to continuing to work with partners across the industry to build better, cleaner, and smarter. Photos courtesy of Jeremy Thomas (Hemp Building Directory) and Colin Steddy (Hemp Inside).
Industry Response to the Senate Inquiry
Industry Response to the Senate Inquiry: Opportunities for the Development of an Industrial Hemp Industry in Australia The response to Senator Richard Colbeck’s call for submissions to the Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport’s inquiry into the Opportunities for the Development of an Industrial Hemp Industry in Australia was both strong and diverse, with 64 submissions received from across the nation. Submissions came from farmers, processors, researchers, builders, health and wellness product manufacturers, advocacy groups, and government agencies, reflecting the depth and breadth of interest in unlocking hemp’s full potential for Australia. A number of consistent themes emerged across the submissions. Agronomic advantages Many highlighted the agronomic advantages of hemp as a sustainable, low-input crop that fits well into regenerative farming systems, supporting soil health, carbon sequestration, and water efficiency. There was a strong emphasis on regional economic development, with hemp positioned as a diversification opportunity for farmers and a driver of new jobs in processing and manufacturing. Regulatory reform Stakeholders also focused on the urgent need for regulatory reform, calling for the removal of industrial hemp from drug-related legislation and for national harmonisation of licensing, THC thresholds, and compliance systems. The inquiry revealed that fragmented regulations are among the largest barriers to growth, limiting investment and cross-border trade. Value-added manufacturing Submissions underscored the growing potential for value-added manufacturing, particularly in hemp-based building materials, textiles, bioplastics, food, and wellness products. The construction and materials sector featured prominently, with strong calls to fast-track building code recognition for hempcrete and fibre board, and to align with international standards to enable rapid scaling. Research and development investment A further theme was the need for increased research and development investment, particularly in seed genetics, agronomy, processing technology, and product innovation. Stakeholders called for coordinated national leadership and industry collaboration to link research institutions, growers, and manufacturers. In summary Overall, the submissions presented a unified message: industrial hemp represents a significant economic, environmental, and social opportunity for Australia, but its success depends on policy alignment, investment in infrastructure, and continued cross-sector collaboration. The level of engagement in this inquiry highlights a maturing, motivated, and solutions-focused industry ready to contribute to Australia’s low-carbon, circular, and regionally based future.
On the road to a hemp home!
By Janet Price Hemp Farmer | Treasurer, iHemp NSW Part 1 – The beginnings Have you ever viewed ‘Grand Designs’ and mused over why so many end up over budget? Most of us start out thinking we can save money by project managing, doing some things ourselves, or even being an Owner Builder! Add to this daring to be the first to do anything different in the building game… and a woman…and an elderly one at that! I returned home in Yr 2000 to care for my ageing dad, who like most farmers didn’t want to leave to go into some place in town. As was the tradition, my brothers were given the option to buy, eventually turning down the valuated price. I had always yearned to return home after living in sixteen homes over twenty-four years as an Australian Defence family, and this was my turn to be still. The original mud home, built by my dad, was looking tired. A ticket to the Home Show and the opportunity to hear about the benefits of hemp from Dick Clarke led to Dick’s clever design. Woohoo; Dick’s business was carbon-neutral – he couldn’t justify coming over the mountains to look at my current home; and finding a Certifier who was brave enough to approve a hemp home; and a builder who even knew what hemp was, was some of the initial headaches… How was I going to build this beautiful hemp home? To be continued…
Rethinking the Future of Australian Homes with Prefabricated Hemp SIPs
Written by Amanda Marsh | Co-Founder, Otetto® August 2025 As someone deeply invested in creating sustainable, high-performing homes, I’ve become increasingly aware of a hard truth: the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. It’s clear that if we want to create a climate-resilient future, the way we design and construct our homes must change—and fast. That’s where Otetto comes in. At Otetto®, we’re proud to be pioneering the use of hemp in residential construction across Australia. Our mission is to reimagine how homes are designed, built, and lived in—by making healthy, climate-resilient housing more accessible and achievable for all Australians. We’ve developed Living Canvas®, a prefabricated hempcrete wall system designed to integrate regenerative materials into everyday building projects. As builders and designers ourselves, we knew the barriers—hemp has often been seen as niche, labour-intensive, or experimental. Our goal was to remove those barriers and prove that hemp not only belongs in the mainstream but can outperform traditional materials in comfort, health, and sustainability. Fast-growing, fire-resistant, and naturally insulative, hemp requires no synthetic inputs and supports the creation of healthier, more energy-efficient homes. But for us, it’s not just about the material—it’s about the system. We’ve developed a modular approach that allows for faster delivery, greater precision, and significantly less waste. This system empowers architects, builders, and homeowners to confidently incorporate hemp into their projects without compromising on design or performance. Our Living Canvas Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are made from locally grown Australian hemp and include wall, floor, and roof cassettes—offering a full building envelope that regulates heat and moisture, while also meeting high bushfire performance ratings and achieving a 7-star NatHERS energy rating. Looking beyond materials, we’re also passionate about changing how Australians think about homebuilding. We’ve launched two architecturally designed off-the-plan homes—Corymbia and Mulloway—to showcase what’s possible when you pair regenerative materials with thoughtful design. Created in collaboration with award-winning architects, these homes reflect our belief that beautiful, high-performance homes can also be accessible, sustainable, and built for the future. Mulloway House Renders: Choi Render Mulloway House Renders: Choi Render (Living Canvas SIPs): Photo by: Gary Parker (Living Canvas SIPs- Crane): Photo by: Otetto
A hemp industry update from the Tassie Hemp Co
By Tim Schmidt | August 2025 Tasmania is now re-emerging as the powerhouse of hemp seed for food production in Australia. The massive stockpile from 5 years ago has disappeared and there is now a national shortage. The 2024 harvest was from a mere 34ha of hemp seed food crops, being the lowest area since 2017, the 2025 harvest jumped to 300ha and still that was not enough. The new season coming up, is forecast to be greater than 300ha. An urgent issue for the hemp seed food industry is the expiring of the spray permit for bromoxynil, an essential broadleaf herbicide which is required to help maintain profitable yields. Without this tool for production, the industry will quickly fold. This permit will expire early next year, so next year’s planting is at risk, we can only hope that the AHC will be successful in requesting an extension for the permit until work undertaken by Agrifutures produces the data required for the longer term permitted use of bromoxynil. The Tassie Hemp Co is looking to work with local wine producers and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture in running hemp mulch trials to show the beneficial impact on production and quality of wines using hemp mulch. There had been work conducted here 20 years ago on hemp mulch for pink lady apples which showed a distinct improvement in fruit quality, we hope to show the same for Tasmanian wines. We are very fortunate to have Hemp Harvest processing our hemp seed here near Deloraine, they have been perfecting their processes and are producing above average yield results, which is an important improvement on our industry viability in Tasmania. Checking out the crop. L- R: Tim Schmidt, Phil & Kiley Warner, Arthur Wajs and Tim Crow. Stephanie Cameron, Tim Schmidt and Senator Richard Colebeck in Tim’s last season crop.
Hemp & the power of perseverance
Written by Connie Minos | August 2025 EO, iHemp NSW | Director, Ashford Hemp Industries The picture (left) may resonate with many of our readers who have experienced drought and hardship on the land. In 2020, Lonnie and I went to the aid of a farmer friend who needed cattle put down due to ongoing drought. It was a traumatic time. On one of our heart wrenching visits, two of the cows unable to stand, showed signs of being close to calving. After euthanising the cows, Lonnie quickly proceeded to remove the unborn calves. One of the two calves born on the side of a dry dam next to her deceased mother, survived. With low expectations after such a difficult welcome to life we took the calf home. It wasn’t smooth sailing but after 8 months we ended up relocating the calf (Marmalade) to my brothers’ cattle farm near Yetman as her size and zest for life were becoming a bit much for me to manage as her surrogate mother. My daughter Olivia and I just visited my brother and we checked on Marmalade and her third calf, both in pristine condition. Olivia is 19 now. She was 15 when Marmalade was born. She was two when Lonnie and I first entered the hemp industry in 2008. Seventeen years ago. Marmalade is a reminder to me that even in the toughest of situations good things do happen, and it is worth persevering. This has certainly been our experience in the Australian hemp industry. Disappointingly Lonnie and I were unable to attend the Hemp Connect Forum in June. It’s always a wonderful opportunity to engage with others passionate about hemp, whether we’ve known them for years or we become newly acquainted. Thankfully we were able to watch the presentations online and I encourage others who were unable to attend the conference to review them. For those who aren’t familiar with our business, our hemp processor is located in northwest NSW, close to the QLD border. The ingenious, beautiful, award-winning design of the University of Tasmanian Forestry and Timberyards redevelopment is inspirational to all, and we feel a strong sense of pride in knowing the hurd produced for that build came from a hemp processing machine we built and supplied to X-Hemp. The beautiful images and positive comments received from builders and homeowners after supplying over fifty homes and buildings throughout NSW and beyond encourage our continued perseverance in supplying the hemp building industry. The regular and diverse range of alternative product options for bast, fines and hurd, who we send samples, give us hope for the future of the wider hemp industry. A small number of business owners within NSW and Australia continue to promote products from overseas while declaring their interest in promoting the Australian hemp industry. Frustration from this fact is counteracted by the increasing engagement and action taken by the private sector and the government in the Australian Hemp Industry. As a member of iHemp NSW and the Australian Hemp Fibre Processing group, and as a small business in NSW, we have every intention of being in this industry for years to come.
Hemp Building Directory
Thinking about building with hemp? A good place to start is the Hemp Building Directory! Launched in July 2023 as a social enterprise, the Hemp Building Directory (HBD) connects people keen to build with hemp with the professionals who can make it happen. From designers and suppliers to builders and installers. Whether you’re looking to live in a hempcrete home, design one, or help build it, HBD is your go-to resource. Founded by tech savvy Jeremy Thomas and award-winning designer Kirstie Wulf, the directory is proving invaluable for those passionate about sustainability, performance building, and locking carbon into our built environment. HBD is highly active in the hemp building industry online and at live events. Jeremy and Kirstie regularly attend, speak at and document events, functions and conferences such as Building Smarter, Sydney Build and monthly People Plant Pint. HBD is proudly sponsoring the Hemp-Connect Forum in Melbourne, 25-27 June. If you’re part of the iHemp community, the next step is simple: Head to hempbuilding.au for practical info, inspiring projects, and expert connections. And don’t forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter. It lands on the first Friday of every month, packed with the latest in hemp construction. If you’re in the industry get your free listing first before we connect about becoming a member and supporting our work. Let’s grow the hemp building movement together.