The Tasmanian Hemp Association (THA) has resigned its membership in a leading Australian hemp advocacy federation in an apparent flap over how that body operates.
The THA board of directors “has reconsidered its position as a state member of the Australian Hemp Council (AHC) with its current form and structure,” THA President Andi Lucas wrote in a letter explaining her group’s withdrawal.
The disagreement involves changes in the constitution of the national group that were approved during the organization’s general meeting in October, and specific commitments the Tasmanian group disavows.
“The AHC regrets the decision of the THA to withdraw from national participation,” the national group said in a statement. “Nevertheless, we remain committed to open and active engagement with all stakeholders in the hemp industry and are eager to rebuild relationships where they have become strained.”
Lucas wrote that the constitutional changes were forced through despite a request from the Tasmanian representative, who had sought a delay. “Unfortunately, this request was denied and the significant changes forced through, which speaks to a pattern of inadequate consultation with state members,” Lucas wrote.
‘Learning, responding’
“As with any organization, we are in an ongoing process of learning and responding to member concerns,” the AHC observed. “We are confident that the revised constitution will foster our growth, as it places full authority for development and strategic planning in the hands of our member delegates.”
According to Lucas’ letter, “The THA has not come to this decision (to resign the AHC) quickly or easily, but after careful consideration of the events of the past eighteen months, and concerns about our members being placed at risk due to the actions of some members of the council.”
Lucas singled out Tim Schmidt, AHC’s president, noting: “We wish to make it clear to all industry stakeholders including departmental staff and elected representatives that neither the AHC as a group nor individuals within it – including former THA president Tim Schmidt – represent the Tasmanian Industrial Hemp Industry or our membership in any capacity, at either a State or Federal level.”
Schmidt served as president of the Tasmania hemp group from 2016-2022.
Lucas said the Tasmanian association stands ready to rejoin the AHC if the national group “is able to demonstrate evidence of good governance, transparency and accountability,” and if the national group can “provide legal assurances that our members have not been exposed to risk in relation to various financially binding contracts that were signed without consultation or full agreement from state members, and affirm that it is trading solvently.”
The AHC said, “We sincerely hope to continue relying on the THA’s support as we approach the upcoming Senate inquiry. We greatly value the THA’s input, along with the contributions of all other state associations, and remain optimistic that the THA will reconsider its position in the future.”
About the AHC
The AHC, which started in 2020, serves as national peak body – the main industry representative – for hemp in Australia. Organized as a federation, the Council brings together state and territory-based hemp organizations to present a unified industry voice on hemp-related issues at the federal level. AHC engages in national advocacy and lobbying efforts to address regulatory issues, works on the development of industry standards and guidelines, and promotes the hemp sector.
As of Monday, Dec. 16, the THA still identified Secretary Ian Whitehouse as its Tasmania representative to the national group. The AHC’s national website indicates, “We currently have no Association representative from Tasmania.”
The AHC website identifies representatives in the other five Australian states and the Northern Territory: iHemp Western Australia, Queensland Hemp Association, i-Hemp New South Wales, Victorian Hemp Association, Industrial Hemp Association of South Australia, and NT Farmers in the Northern Territory.
The THA lists 20 corporate members on its website. Lucas heads a nine-person THA board.
Fields growing
While Australian hemp fields grew overall during the 2023-2024 season, Tasmanian hemp fields severely contracted to just 90 hectares, a massive falloff from a high of 1,500 hectares achieved in the peak year 2019-2020.
Nationwide, Australian hemp farmers put in roughly 3,266 hectares in 2023-2024 growing season, up from 1,493 hectares in 2022-2023. New South Wales accounted for roughly two-thirds of the national total. New South Wales plantings were split between fiber (970 hectares) and grain (1,020 hectares) crops.