Ministers get it wrong-

-and turn down multi-million dollar industry for our country Friday 24th May and the decision as to whether healthy Hemp Foods should be allowed in Australia and New Zealand is reached.

No was the answer. The decision led by Federal Healthy Minister Kay Paterson and strongly followed by Northern Territories Health Minister. The Queensland Health Minister although full of initial concerns supported the use of hemp as a food as ANZFA had supportive documentation to alleviate all the un-founded fears of the drug-free Queensland Government.

As usual, Tasmania was the most supportive Governement authority of all. Why? The Tasmanian Government has had the most experience of hemp foods within A&NZ.

The Hemp Food industry is now a million dollar industry in Australia. Food production is just starting. Great local, healthy produce including ice-cream and snack bars are being produced in Australia. But should you want any, you will have to travel overseas as the products are destined for export markets only.

"This affects not only the countries farming industry, but holds back opportunities for processors, packers, transporters, marketers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers." stated Paul Benhaim, Managing Director of Hemp Foods Australia, a Company who seem to be working against the grain, but are finding they are becoming one of the most successful companies world-wide. "The Government should be supporting local industry and our community, not working against them."

The Ministers were concerned about sending the wrong image to consumers that 'drugs were OK'. Why then would the UK's largest supermarket chain be confident in purchasing and stocking such hemp foods (made in Australia) on their shelves when such large corporations would not dare allow any products that gave even the slightest impression of drugs anywhere near their buying department for fear of negative impressions?

Hemp Foods Australia is currently looking into re-applying for hemp as a food now such contracts are in place. If you are interested in supporting the motion then please email hemp@hempfoods.com.au or contact your local Health Minister if you are in the Northern Territories or the current Federal Minister Kay Paterson senator.kcpatterson@aph.gov.au and DONT FORGET to CC: hemp@hempfoods.com.au and Stephen.Smith.MP@aph.gov.au (Shadow Minister) and T.Worth.MP@aph.gov.au (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister) and

Further updates on the hemp food issues see www.hempfoods.com.au