GS3 update: Industrial hemp project gathers momentum

Globally, industrial hemp is a commodity experiencing accelerated growth. Today, new hemp products are rapidly appearing on the market; new uses for the material continue to be found; and demand is increasing. The environmental benefits of hemp products are beginning to resonate loudly with those tasked with finding a sustainable future.

Food & Fibre Gippsland (F&FG), together with the Latrobe Valley Authority, are investigating industrial hemp fibre as a potential future industry for Gippsland using the Gippsland Smart Specialisation Strategy (GS3). The process brings together stakeholders from four sectors, industry, community, academia, and government.

These four groups will soon partake in an Entrepreneurial Discovery Workshop (EDP), which aims to tease out the competitive advantage Gippsland can apply to hemp, and identify opportunities, barriers, and gaps in knowledge.

The inaugural hemp EDP will be held on 16th May 2023, with both online and in-person attendance options. The workshop will be facilitated by Professor Bruce Wilson, Director - EU Centre of Excellence Social Global Studies Centre at RMIT University. Prof. Wilson will discuss potential opportunities, as well as provide key data towards the viability assessment and potential development of an integrated industrial hemp fibre supply chain in the Gippsland region.

This project aims to benefit Gippsland, and to succeed it needs Gippsland. For that reason, all are welcome to attend the EDP. However, registration is required. If you’d like to find out more or are interested in getting involved, please contact Elena Nauta, Senior Program Officer – Food and Fibre Regional Strength: elena.nauta@lva.vic.gov.au .

For more information about our GS3 projects, visit the Smart Specialisation page.