Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said it was a
welcome opportunity to diversify the NT's
economy, but more needed to be done to get
the industry off the ground.
"The Opposition look forward to hearing from
Government in relation to what plans they
have to support the industrial hemp industry,
through either direct assistance and/or the
construction or operation of processing
facilities," he said.
Aileron Station has put aside 100 hectares to grow
hemp in the red centre.
Mr Barratt said diversifying into horticulture
would be of benefit to the cattle station,
particularly given recent dry conditions in the
region.
"Cattle is our primary focus and will continue
to be a primary focus for us, but cattle alone
won't provide the commercial returns that we
want as an organisation," he said.
"Having a capacity to diversify into cropping
makes such a difference to our bottom line —
it enables us to continue to employ people,
train people, and improve the land."
The NT is the last state or territory to legalise
the hemp industry
The hemp legalisation bill passed today had
the support of both the NT Government and
the Country Liberal Party.
The legislation puts the NT in line with other
states and territories, in allowing for the
growing of industrial hemp.
"If the Government is serious about this
opportunity then it needs to put its money
where its mouth is, and commit the necessary
resources to make it successful."
Chief executive of NT Farmers Association,
Paul Burke, said it was an exciting day for the
NT.
"There is real opportunity for a hemp industry
in the Northern Territory," he said.
"It's great to hear the story of Aileron and
there are other producers that have contacted
us expressing an interest [in growing hemp].
"We've still got a way to go in terms of how
do we process it, where do we process it and
what do the logistics look like? But I think
there's a real opportunity for the Department
of Primary Industry to partner with industry
and do some meaningful research so we can
expedite this industry."
Hemp is considered a very versatile crop
which can be used in a wide range of products,
including sunscreen, clothing, soap and a
concrete substitute.
Hemp is a variety of cannabis but, due to its
low concentration of the plant's psychoactive
property, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it has
no wacky effects on people when consumed.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-08-
08/hemp-plan-aileron-station-as-nt-government-
passes-
legislation/11390802?fbclid=IwAR08Ej2YtbgR6JrR
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Aileron Station is about 130km north of Alice Springs