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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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NZ: Hemp crop to be trialed in Catlins
NZPA New Zealand Herald
Thursday 05 Dec 2002 A 1ha hemp crop will be planted under Government supervision in the Catlins area, south of Balclutha, towards the end of next year. Former Catlins residents and hemp advocates Mac and Donna McIntosh are behind the project, which will be based on their 2ha Tawanui, 42km southwest of Balclutha, property. It will be the southernmost operation of its kind in the country. They originally hoped to start the crop this year but both returned to other projects, delaying the Catlins crop by a year. The couple also hope to set up a backpackers business alongside the hemp operation, which will include a seed cultivar growing farm. Mr McIntosh, described as an industrial hemp consultant, is involved in hemp growing trials with Massey University in Palmerston North and is chairman of the New Zealand Hemp Industry Association. Hemp cultivation has previously been banned in New Zealand because of the plant's relationship with cannabis. The couple are confident the Government will soon allow its production throughout the country. The Catlins crop will involve hemp seeds from Hungary which will be planted about September next year and harvested the following January or February. It is thought to be one of the best hemp-growing areas in New Zealand. The Catlins' latitude means the hemp seeds get the exact exposure to sunlight they need. The Catlins crop could yield up to 9 tonnes of seed, which would be processed into various items by a Nelson manufacturer. The McIntoshes will monitor the Catlins project daily and post regular updates on the internet for growers around New Zealand and the world. Hemp could be used in more than an estimated 250,000 products, Mrs McIntosh said. - NZPA
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