The Future of Orbost and District (FoOD) project, in partnership with Food and Fibre Gippsland, recently hosted an inaugural Gippsland roundtable to explore the potential of an industrial hemp industry in the region.
Held in Tinamba, the workshop brought together representatives from industry, government and sector bodies.
Building on earlier work led by the former Latrobe Valley Authority (delivered in partnership with Food and Fibre Gippsland), the roundtable aligns with FoOD’s focus on post-timber transition opportunities.
Industrial hemp is emerging as an exciting prospect, which could position Gippsland to capitalise on national and global growth trends.
The forum sought to build a shared understanding of current industrial hemp activity in Gippsland alongside national and international developments, test stakeholder willingness to support industry development, and identify next steps for strategic action and a roadmap for the sector’s growth.
Guest speaker Matthew Lariba-Taing, secretary of the Victorian Hemp Association and acting president of the Australian Hemp Council, highlighted international and regional trends and opportunities.
“We estimate the global industrial hemp industry is currently worth around $8 billion and in Australia approximately $20 million, with significant growth potential,” he said.
“Gippsland, with its strengths in food and fibre and its favourable climate, is well suited to growing a hemp industry.”
Secretary of the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI), Garry Squires, which hosts the FoOD project, and a member of the Governance Group and Agriculture Innovation Working Group, emphasised the importance of acting now.
“With forestry transition, the opportunity to diversify is a priority focus,” he said.
“Our early-stage work suggests that Orbost could become a viable hemp hub, but it would need to be embedded in a broader regional industry, and we’re keen to collectively explore this further.”
Simon Johnson, chief executive officer of Food and Fibre Gippsland, reinforced the strategic growth potential.
“The industrial hemp sector is still emerging, but it holds enormous promise for farmers and for reigniting local manufacturing,” he said.
“It offers a unique chance to cut carbon, create regional jobs and deliver sustainable alternatives to plastics and fibreglass — but its full potential will only be unlocked through strong collaboration and innovation.
“We look forward to building on the roundtable’s insights and continuing the conversation on how best to take this opportunity forward.”
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 ODCCI, which is overseen by a community-led governance group and supported by the State Government.
Food and Fibre Gippsland Food and Fibre Gippsland is a not-for-profit industry-led organisation connecting and growing Gippsland’s $7 billion food and fibre sector.
