Natural Fibres Ltd , reflecting the new diversity hemp brings to its operations . This decortication system is designed to cleanly separate the bast fibre from the inner woody core – the hurd or shiv as it is called - from the stalk . Several thousand square bales of hemp straw will be processed within the next few months .
This fibre facility will roll out several added value products over time , aiming to reach plant capacity within a couple of years . Raw hemp fibre will be carefully blended with wool for products such as eco-matting , insulation , and wool yarn for carpets and more . Hurd for hempcrete buildings will also become available . “ This is a massive breakthrough for New Zealand ” says Dave , CEO of Hemp Farm and Hemp NZ . “ This is just a start for the industry ” he states . “ We are proud to have partnered with the yarn industry and with the iconic Carrfields to administer the HempFarm grower program in the South Island and we look forward to a vibrant future ahead for the companies involved ”.
Meanwhile Dave and Anne ’ s original team of three has grown to twelve personnel working out of the new HempFarm head office based in Tauriko , Tauranga colocated with its purpose built , certified organic food processing plant . A newly appointed Board is in place to guide Hemp NZ and HempFarm through its next exciting growth phase in food and fibre .
Pictured : Hemp Pioneers Dave & Anne Jordan
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