Review of Hemp as a Food
Review of Hemp as a Food
The NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) was pleased to learn today that the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation (the Forum) was continuing to address some concerns around the sale of hemp seed foods for human consumption.
Responding to the Forum’s communiqué issued from Hobart Thomas Chin, association general manager, said the industry realises that the NZ Minister and officials were supportive of hemp seed foods and they are continuing with strong efforts to help see the development of a new cropping opportunity for NZ primary producers and manufacturers.
“We are very encouraged and heartened to know that finding a positive solution for consumers and producers was a priority for Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew.
“There is a growing international demand for hemp seed food and local industry could potentially see up to 2000 hectares of crop possibly generating for farmers a return of $4500 to $5500 a hectare in the medium to long term.
“There would also be additional economic benefits for NZ Inc in terms of export opportunities and new jobs in the regions” said Mr Chin.
ENDS