Hemp’s potential to become major Australian agricultural industry for manufacturing building products
Brett Boag holds a small square of what appears to be ordinary wooden, 20-millimetre-thick chipboard. This is from a Hemp news on ABC Landline.
Only this material is heavier and startlingly stronger. Bulletproof in fact. During a recent test in the United States, it withstood even a burst from a high-powered AK-47.
“It’s phenomenally tough. We’re making products that are even way in excess of the hardest hardwoods, very high impact resistance as well,” said Mr Boag, who manufactures construction materials at a factory east of Melbourne.
The products are made from hemp — one of the toughest plants on the planet.
Hemp’s potential
The council wants to see industrial hemp develop into a major Australian agricultural industry.
That ambition is supported by AgriFutures, the federal government agency that identifies and finances the research and development of Australian rural industries.
AgriFutures has nine hemp trials across Australia — evaluating hemp varieties and growing potential — from the tropics to temperate Tasmania.
Most states have now repealed laws that formerly prohibited or restricted hemp growing.
“There’s such a wide range of uses. Of course we’re going to be looking at what’s most profitable, but that versatility is very appealing,” said Olivia Reynolds of AgriFutures.
