Hemp holds hope for East Coast

A cannabis industry could revitalise the East Coast economy, thanks to a first-of-its-kind course in hemp growing.

The 20-week Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) programme was introduced in 2017, but has been developed since then to focus solely on hemp production.

Taira¯whiti campus director Jan Mogford said it was borne out of community demand, following the success of Ruatoria-based Hikurangi Cannabis Company – the first New Zealand firm to be granted a medicinal cannabis cultivation licence.

Hikurangi Enterprises to expand rapidly continues and hopes to build a processing facility in Ruatoria within the next 18 months, and a pharmaceutical-grade medicinal cannabis processing facility in Gisborne. It has already raised $2 million in crowd-funding for this.

As well as its medicinal and health properties, hemp – the non-psychoactive variant of cannabis – is used in clothing, food products, and construction.

‘‘EIT viewed the programme as a means of supporting local landowners trying to find an economic use for some of the large tracts of unproductive land in the area,’’ Mogford said.

The Gisborne district has the highest unemployment rate in New Zealand. But with the 2020 referendum on legalising cannabis for recreational use inching closer, it’s hoped a cannabis industry could boost the region’s economy.

‘‘Eventually, it’s hoped hemp will produce fibre, seeds rich in protein and omega oils as well as medicinal cannabis. There is a high level of interest from the local community and landowners.’’

Applicants need to be over 16 and are taught in the nurseries to use natural resources like rosemary oil and vinegar for pest control and soil conditioning.

They graduate with a ‘‘full range of core skills’’ in sustainable horticultural production, and health and safety.

Tadhg Stopford, of The Hemp Foundation, said the work warrants support by the entire country. Hemp was a sustainable, unique and strategic resource, he said.