Utilising Australia’s Emission Reduction Fund – One ha of industrial hemp can absorb 22 tonnes of CO2 per ha. It is possible to grow to 2 crops per year in North Queensland so absorption is doubled. Hemp’s rapid growth (grows to 4 meters in 100 days) makes it one of the fastest CO2-to-biomass conversion tools available, more efficient than agro-forestry.

Hemp is also used as a broad acre rotational crop offers soil health benefits. Its deep roots use ground water and reduce its salinity. Also, erosion of topsoil is limited, thereby reducing water pollution. The roots give nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil. After the harvest, this soil makes excellent compost amendments for other plants. Hemp uses less water than most other crops.

Under new Barrier Reef Regulations, cane farmers must not leave their land fallow. Hemp’s 100 days growing cycle and ease of cultivation and harvest provides a cash crop alternative. A key advantage is to enable farmers to diversify their farming systems as a hemp provides a rotation crop option within their primary crops.