After three years of trials, these hemp varieties have proved to be the most effective in Australia

After three years of coordinated trials on industrial hemp varieties (IHVT) conducted by AgriFutures Australia, Australian hemp growers now have access to the first evidence-based guide for selecting hemp varieties based on region and climate.

Conducted at nine trial sites, ranging from the tropical region of Katherine in the Northern Territory to the temperate zones of Tasmania, the IHVT initiative represents a significant step toward the professionalization of the sector.

According to AgriFutures’ final report, the trials reveal a clear principle: hemp is adaptable on a global scale, but highly specific to the environment. Chinese varieties have performed best in tropical and northern subtropical climates, while the European hemp varieties and Canadian varieties have thrived in the southern temperate regions. Locally grown seeds, such as ECO-Excalibur or Ruby, have also demonstrated their potential, paving the way for local cultivation suited to conditions in mid-latitudes.

Results in the Northern Territory: Strong Dual-Purpose Candidates

At the Katherine Research Station, 15 hemp varieties were evaluated between 2022 and 2024 during three planting seasons. The researchers Drew Portman and Edward Mwando found that late-maturing Chinese cultivars such as Han Cold, Han NE and Yuma achieved the best seed yields (up to 2.45 metric tons per hectare) and in biomass (> 4 t/ha) under semi-arid conditions. The Australian variety King Gee also performed well, while the Ruby stood out for its higher content of proteins and in oil.

In contrast, the Polish lineage Henola lagged behind in terms of yield, plant height, and grain weight, illustrating how genetic varieties that thrive in Europe can struggle under Australia’s heat and low humidity.

All cultivars remained within the national threshold of 1% of THC, although a strain introduced elsewhere in the national program overtook it, leading to the destruction of the crops—which serves as a reminder that both origin and environment influence the’cannabinoid expression.

Promising data from Western Australia

The parallel IHVT sites of Manjimup and Kununurra confirmed similar regional differences. In the cool southwest, CFX-2 (Canada) and Bialobrzeskie and Henola (Poland) have produced stable grain yields and a high oil content, ECO-Excalibur with the highest overall yield (545 to 1,405 kg/ha).

In the tropical north, Bama Han Cold King Gee and Yuma dominated when they were planted in April, with an average of 1.42 metric tons per hectare. Late planting has gradually reduced yields, underscoring the importance of early planting in tropical conditions.

The protein content in trials conducted in Western Australia reached as high as 27%, while oil levels exceeded 30%, particularly in the Chinese Yuma variety. The study’s data suggest a broad planting window from November to December in temperate regions and from April to May in northern areas.

Agricultural Outlook and Structural Challenges

In addition to variety-specific performance data, the IHVT has standardized the planting densities, the irrigation systems and THC testing protocols, thereby providing producers with a common benchmark. The trials also revealed systemic weaknesses: seed quality Uneven results, germination rates as low as 14%, and delays caused by quarantine procedures.

AgriFutures warns that the Australian hemp industry cannot grow without addressing three fundamental issues:

1. Establish a national seed certification system to guarantee the origin and germination quality of seeds.
2. Invest in varieties suited to the region rather than relying on imported genetics.
3. Harmonize regulations among states to facilitate the movement of seeds and products.

Without these reforms, the Farmers may see lower yields supplies are irregular, and processors lack the supply stability needed for fiber- or seed-processing facilities.