Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles
New Zealand's largest hemp grower says farmers around the country want to start growing hemp but, before more come on board, markets need to be developed and infrastructure secured.
Hemp New Zealand's Dave Jordan says it's a 'chicken and egg' situation.
"There are a lot of ideas around and it's all very well to have the ideas but you have got to actually have action on the ground and show people the benefit of it (hemp) and get customers to buy it."
The company is working with 100 growers who grow 1000 hectares of hemp.
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A fibre processing facility has been set up in partnership with New Zealand Natural Fibres in Christchurch. It will produce eco-matting for roading and hanging baskets and then move into woven products.
"Things like linen clothing and sails for ships," Dave says.
He expects a wool hemp blend carpet will roll off the production line in two years' time.
"It's absolutely beautiful. The company we have partnered with already do carpet yarns with sheep wool so adding the hemp to it adds durability, it adds longevity . It just adds to the quality of the carpet."
Capacity is also building in the food side of the business, he says.
Hemp seed oil production has increased at the company's Tauranga plant and a machine has been purchased to produce protein powder and flour from the seed cake created in the oil making process.
"We're getting a lot of food manufacturers on board ...and we're also ready to look at our export markets which we're gearing up for and I think that's going to be the biggest part of the business.
De-hulled seed, protein powders and oil will be exported.