Last week, Dorset Council's unanimously voted in favour of contacting the state government and  relevant agencies regarding growing and processing industrial hemp, medicinal l cannabis and other biopharmaceutical products.  

But Bishopsbourne farmer Phil Reader, who has long been a supporter of industrial hemp production and consumption, hopes this year’s association AGM will help others to view hemp in a different light.

‘‘Obviously the discussion o f medicinal cannabis will come up at the meeting, so we’ll discuss it, but that discussion about cannabis has only seemed to muddy the waters more,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re simply looking for another alternative crop for farmers.’’

Mr Reader said the AGM is open to the general public with a number of topics to be touched on.

The meeting will also feature speeches from Hemp Australia and a member of the Department of Primary Industries. 

‘‘We’re giving an update about the industry and we’re going to discuss where things are on a state and federal basis, with regard to approval for human consumption.

‘‘We’ll also have an update on the state regulations being made and the process of doing away with red tape.’’

The Tasmanian Industrial Hemp Association AGM will be held today at 1pm at the Bishopsbourne Hall.