Introduction

Recently in Parliament, I raised important questions about the future of hemp farming in Western Australia. With the impacts of climate change, like prolonged drought and increasing temperatures, farmers need reliable options to sustain their livelihoods and protect the environment. Hemp has been recognised as a versatile and sustainable crop, and I wanted to understand how the government is progressing on reviewing the laws around it.

What happened in Parliament

I asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food about the progress on the review of the Industrial Hemp Act 2004. I also inquired whether the assessment aligns with my view that hemp could become even more valuable to WA farms as climate change makes traditional crop cycles less predictable. The Minister responded that their review is ongoing but has been delayed due to other priorities. She mentioned that WA's research trials with hemp are ongoing, providing farmers with valuable data on the best varieties and sowing methods. However, the decision to grow hemp remains a business choice for individual farmers.

Why this matters for you and WA

This discussion matters because hemp has the potential to be a more resilient crop as our climate changes. For WA farmers, especially in the South West, it offers a way to diversify and adapt to harsher conditions. For our communities, greater crop resilience and sustainable farming practices mean more local jobs, healthier environments, and a resilient economy. It is about providing farmers with more options to weather the storms of climate change and ensuring that WA remains productive and sustainable in the future.

How you can help

Stay informed about agricultural policies and how they affect local farming families. Your voice can support efforts for sustainable and adaptable farming practices.
Engage with local farming groups or environmental organisations that advocate for climate-resilient crops like hemp.
Contact your local representatives to express support for a thorough and timely review of hemp laws, ensuring farmers have access to all possible tools for climate resilience.

By staying involved and informed, you can help shape a future where WA farmers thrive despite the climate challenges ahead.

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