More than 100 people went to the All About Hemp info session in Marton on July 30 - and they were keen to co-operate and grow the industry, Gioia Damosso says.
She and Whanganui and Partners organised the session, and it was hosted at Te Poho o Tuariki, the Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa base in Henderson's Line. Attendees were from Tararua, Palmerston North and Horowhenua as well as Whanganui and Rangitīkei.
They heard how to grow and harvest hemp, and were also helped to navigate the complex legislation and regulation relating to the crop.
The aim is to make this area a North Island centre for the industry. It will be competing with Gisborne and Canterbury, where hemp is also popular.
The growers could benefit by sharing harvesting and drying gear, Damosso said.