A new Southern Cross University research project is aiming to increase the seed yields of hemp plants by up to fifty per cent, in what could be a game-changer for the industry's productivity and profitability. The project, looking at naturally occurring variations in the sex determination of hemp plants, has the backing of the Australian Research Council through a $561,251 Linkage grant, with Northern Rivers-based Kavasil Pty Ltd as the industry partner.
Researchers hope it will offer a significant and sustainable boost to the industry with better seed yields and less chemical intervention.