21 January 1999
PR2/2000
INDUSTRIAL HEMP WORKING PARTY TO BE ESTABLISHED
Federated Farmers Grains Council Chairman Neil Barton has welcomed Minister of Customs Phillida Bunkle's decision to
convene a working party on Industrial Hemp.
"Federated Farmers and the New Zealand Industrial Hemp Association met the Government a year ago to urge the
establishment of an industrial hemp trial in New Zealand," Mr Barton said.
"The Grains Council welcomes the opportunity to be part of the working party, which aims to address regulatory
concerns."
"There is urgency for the working party to begin so that a decision can be taken, and permits issued for trials to be
planted in the spring of this year."
New Zealand currently imports both hemp seed and hemp fibre for domestic consumption. There is an established domestic
market that New Zealand farmers could supply.
"Arable farmers look forward to the opportunity of growing another crop, and while the economics of hemp are unknown
under New Zealand conditions, industrial hemp is successfully grown in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada,
Australia and South Africa."
"The Grains Council commends the Minister of Customs Hon Phillida Bunkle for recommending to the New Zealand Customs
Service that an industrial hemp working party be established," concluded Neil Barton.
ENDS
For further information: Neil Barton 021-441-125 or 03-688-8238 Kevin
Geddes 025-203-3437