The recent Future of Orbost and District (FoOD) project workshop attracted a strong and engaged turnout as participants came together to explore the bold question: What role could industrial hemp play in the post-forestry future of the region – and what might that look like?
Attendees included local farmers, entrepreneurs, businesses interested in hemp-based products and passionate community members, all eager to explore opportunities for sustainable economic development.
Insights from a recent online community survey, combined with in-depth discussions at the workshop, revealed strong community appetite for new industry development – particularly ventures that align with the district’s long-standing strengths in food and fibre production, its unique natural environment and its deeply connected and caring community.
Industrial hemp presents a compelling opportunity that ticks many of these boxes.
Guest speaker Brett Boag from Hexcore in Pakenham shared valuable insights drawn from his extensive international experience in the hemp industry.
He also showcased Hexcore’s leadership in sustainable materials and innovative composite products – demonstrating how hemp can help power a new generation of construction.
The workshop explored what a local hemp industry could look like – from cultivation to processing and end-use applications.
Discussion touched on a wide range of potential benefits, including new job opportunities, improvements to soil health and farming profitability and the creation of high-quality artisanal products that could support the visitor economy.
Liz Mitchell, chair of the FoOD governance group, emphasised the importance of visionary thinking in driving local economic resilience.
“Everything starts with a vision. If we don’t have a vision of what could be achieved, we can’t build the pathway to get there,” she said.
Participants also learned about the FoOD project’s ongoing work analysing and benchmarking data from an earlier trial hemp crop in the district.
This includes following the crop’s journey across the value chain to gain valuable insights at each stage of processing.
Ms Mitchell noted the project has already identified significant opportunities – as well as key challenges – in realising the potential of a local industrial hemp industry.
“We will continue to explore the potential opportunity for Orbost to become a ‘hemp hub’,” she said, “but we recognise this must occur within a broader regional and state industry development roadmap.
“Greater collaboration and coordination are essential to ensure the best outcomes, and we will advocate for this across a range of key stakeholders.”
The FoOD project will continue to share regular updates on its progress.
Community members interested in learning more or getting involved in a hemp industry working group are encouraged to contact the project team via email.
The FoOD project is a response to the impacts of the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests, and the need to transition the local economy.
The purpose of the project is to build on to Orbost and district’s existing strengths and leverage opportunities for supporting positive economic, social and environmental outcomes.
The project is delivered by the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is overseen by a community-led governance group and supported by the State Government.
