About the Project

The potential of the hemp industry in Australia is positive and is experiencing strong growth. There are new technologies emerging which are seeing improved production and the development of value added products is also driving demand. 

​In order to determine the feasibility of Industrial Hemp to be considered a viable summer crop inclusion in the Western Murray region, we have engaged a number of partners and consultants in feasibility studies and trials across 2021-2023. An outline of the pre-feasibility study compiled by The Wedge Group can be viewed below.

WMLIG is exploring further funding options to continue its work on trialing industrial hemp as a viable potential summer rotational crop. Additional funding will be vital for WMLIG to have the capacity to conduct ongoing demonstrations of the crop, and to capture the data for its potential adoption by interested landholders in 2023 and beyond.

wmlig pre-feasibilty study

Project Update - February 2025

The WMLIG Hemp Project has made significant strides since its inception. A feasibility study was completed in 2023, involving a collaborative approach with local landholders.

The project focuses on a short value chain and building products, with the study concluding in February 2024, forming the anchor of the Investment Memorandum.
 
Currently, we have a contact list of over 200 potential growers and investors. Seed investment ranging from $500k to $1m is now open for local investors.

​We are also working on business structures, market development, and engagement, with Investment Round 1 targeting $25m for land purchase and the establishment of a hemp precinct focused on block manufacturing.
 
We have applied for government support through the Regional Precinct & Partnership Program and are awaiting assessment.

​Additionally, we have applied for $28.5m of which $18m will be to cover 100% of our infrastructure CAPEX.  Industry Growth Program application to be finalised soon.
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Our Vision

• High-quality, competitively priced natural building materials.
• Environmentally sustainable building materials that reduce energy costs and help build healthy homes – ‘a home that breathes’.
• Offering farmers in our region an alternative crop, building business resilience.
• Supporting our rural community as it adapts to an economy with less water and the removal of the local redgum industry.

For more information, please contact Leigh Fletcher at [email protected], or click the following link

more information

Video footage from trial site & field days

Industrial Hemp Trial Site

NSW DPI's Genevieve Leonard

Decortication of the Industrial Hemp

Vortex Insect Control: Ron Blakenforth

Field Days Photographs

Industrial Hemp Resources

hemp insights field day booklet

nsw dpi growing hemp faq

industrial hemp introduction

hemp planning and growing

Event Partners

​This project was funded by the Australian Government under the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program.