Technology Mapping for the Australian Industrial Hemp Industry

Abstract

<p>This study addresses the Australian industrial hemp industry's technological constraints and opportunities. The current situation in the hemp value chain is mapped to actual and potential technologically based and organisational opportunities. A review of available literature on selected gaps and opportunities is accompanied by field-level consultation to present practical aspects of the value chain, and the production and marketing system. Readiness of technologies are assessed with the CRAM tool. Using a simple 2-stage model of the value chain, disaggregated to capture diverse scale, cost structures and farm types, projections of financial implications of change in the value chain are made. The focus of the review aspects of the study is hemp fibre, rather than hemp grains and the hemp food value chain. The analytic emphasis is the whole-of-chain view of hemp industry development opportunities, as they are influenced by technologies and organisational changes needed.</p>