Expression of Interest: Industrial hemp seed varieties for inclusion in the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials.

⁠⁠⁠AgriFutures Australia is calling for expressions of interest from eligible seed suppliers to submit industrial hemp seed varieties for inclusion in year two of the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT).  

Background

The Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT) is a program co-funded by AgriFutures Australia (AgriFutures) and the participating state and territory government agencies. The Trials aim to provide Australian hemp growers with independent information about the performance of new industry hemp seed varieties suited to specific geographic locations within Australia. 

As industrial hemp is a regulated crop, trial managers, seed suppliers, and the analytical laboratory must comply with all regulatory requirements governing movement (relevant to their state and territory), and the handling and evaluation of industrial hemp, and manage necessary approvals, consents, licences and authorisations. 

Seven sites were established for year one of the IHVT, representing three climatic zones: Northern, Central and Southern. For consistent results, each trial site must adhere to the conditions outlined in the Trial Protocols. The Trial Protocols specify how the trial sites are to be established and managed, and what measurements and samples are to be collected. 

AgriFutures Australia is calling for expressions of interest from eligible seed suppliers to submit industrial hemp seed varieties for inclusion in year two of the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT). 

Traits to be considered include grain yield, oil and protein content in seed, 1000 grain weight as a measure of seed size, and test weight as a composite indicator of grain fill and grain quality in the trial. Limited tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) testing will also be undertaken, and measurements and observations will be taken related to plant height, time to flowering, etc.  Full details are documented in the IHVT Trial Protocols. The Protocols will be provided to participating seed suppliers before they nominate varieties for the project. 

Contact

If you have any questions about the Expression of Interest process or requirements in the management services, please contact: 

Name: Olivia Reynolds 

Position Title: Senior Manager, Emerging Industries 

Contact Details: programs@agrifutures.com.au