What a year it’s been for Margaret River Hemp Co! From forging international partnerships and racking up industry awards to expanding our reach both online and off, 2024 has proven just how powerful—and versatile—hemp can be. As we look back on these highlights, we’re reminded that every milestone we hit is made possible by the passion and support of our incredible community. Join us as we celebrate the key moments that shaped our journey this year!
One of the standout events in 2024 was the biennial Australian Industrial Hemp Conference (AIHC)—an essential gathering for industry leaders, researchers, growers, and hemp enthusiasts. Under the theme “Coming Together for a Better Future,” the conference offered three action-packed days and featured over 60 speakers sharing the latest developments, research, and innovations shaping Australia’s hemp industry.
International Collaboration
It wasn’t just Australian voices taking centre stage. Experts from Canada and New Zealand joined the conversation, bringing a global perspective to the table. Their insights reinforced the worldwide momentum behind hemp and the shared commitment to realising its full potential.
Backed by the AIHA & Australian Hemp Council (AHC)
Although the AIHA (Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance) and the AHC (Australian Hemp Council) were not the event’s organizers, both groups helped provide crucial support and advocacy around the conference. Their involvement underscores the collective dedication within Australia’s hemp community to drive the industry forward.
Industry Leaders on the Rise
From X Hemp, led by Andi Lucas, to Riverland Hemp, a host of pioneering companies took part in the conference, showcasing their roles in shaping Australia’s dynamic hemp landscape. Their stories highlighted the creativity and innovation fueling this industry, and set the stage for an even brighter hemp future in 2025 and beyond.
A major highlight of 2024 for us was Hemp Homes Australia—the construction branch of Margaret River Hemp Co.—taking home six prestigious honours at the Master Builders Western Australia South West Awards. Our Indica Hemp House project, designed by the talented Livia Hawker and built for visionary clients Sharlene and Paul Mavor, stole the show with wins in categories like Best Country Home South West, Excellence in Alternative Finishes, Best Alternative Construction Home, Excellence in External Finishes, Best Contract Home $1m - $1.5m, and even a personal accolade for Gary Rogers (Supervisor of the Year).
These awards mark a historic moment, shining a spotlight on hempcrete as a cutting-edge, eco-friendly building material poised to revolutionise the industry. We couldn’t be prouder of our entire team’s commitment to driving sustainable construction forward—one hemp house at a time! Check out indica.au to learn more about this award-winning home and the future of hemp-based building.
Another highlight in 2024 was seeing our commitment to sustainable hemp production showcased on ABC South West. Reporter Kate Forester took a tour of our processing facility, shining a spotlight on how industrial hemp can help drive eco-friendly innovation in Western Australia—and beyond.
During the interview, Gary Rogers discussed our regenerative farming practices, low-impact processing methods, and the diverse range of hemp-based products we’re developing. We firmly believe hemp is a crucial ingredient in shaping a healthier planet, and we’re thrilled to have our story reach a broader audience.
Catch the full segment here to see how hemp is poised to revolutionise industries and protect our shared environment.
We’re beyond excited to share that Margaret River Hemp Co landed a coveted spot on the limited-edition Margaret River Monopoly Board! This special release celebrates iconic local businesses and attractions, and we’re thrilled to be among the select few highlighted.
Not only is it an honour to be recognised for our contribution to the community, but it’s also a fun way to learn about (and invest in!) our beloved region—hemp style. Keep an eye out for this unique collector’s piece, and don’t miss your chance to snag a little piece of Margaret River history!
Big news on the export front! We’re proud to announce that HempCo has become the first Australian hemp company to ship hemp fibre for textiles, research, and development to key markets in India and China—an incredible milestone in our mission to unlock hemp’s full potential.
Our progress has also been bolstered by support from the WA Government’s Access Asia Business Grants, helping us forge new partnerships and expand the global reach of Aussie-grown hemp. Though there’s still plenty of work ahead, these early achievements show just how promising hemp can be as a global, eco-friendly resource.
From sustainable fashion to innovative home goods, hemp’s durability and environmental benefits shine in countless applications. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of hemp innovation on the world stage!
What products would you like to see made from Australian-grown hemp fibres? We’d love to hear your ideas!
Another milestone in 2024 was our trip to China to learn more about hemp textiles and processing in some of the world’s largest hemp-growing regions. During our travels, we toured modern facilities pioneering eco-friendly cultivation and saw cutting-edge processing techniques that promise to revolutionise the global hemp landscape.
From meeting the passionate experts behind these massive operations to witnessing advanced manufacturing processes firsthand, the experience offered invaluable insights that we’re excited to share with our Australian community. We look forward to bringing these learnings home and helping further hemp innovation right here in Australia!
It’s been an incredible year on social media, with over 1.2 million of you tuning in on Facebook and more than 3,200 hours of watch time on YouTube. Here are a few highlights that really caught your attention:
Thank you for every like, comment, and share—you make our community thrive! We can’t wait to bring you even more engaging content in the new year.
And that’s a wrap on an extraordinary 2024! We hope this snapshot of our progress—spanning award-winning homes, global export breakthroughs, and lively community engagement—has inspired you to embrace the many possibilities hemp offers. Thank you for being part of our ever-growing hemp family. We can’t wait to see what the coming year has in store as we continue to innovate, educate, and advocate for a greener, healthier future. Here’s to an even more hemp-powered 2025!