Where Our Hemp Comes From: Grown in Canterbury, New Zealand
At Hemp Farm, we believe knowing where your food comes from matters. That’s why we’re proud to say our hemp seed is grown right here in Canterbury, New Zealand, a region recognised as one of the best places in the country to produce high-quality industrial hemp.
From seed to finished product, our hemp reflects the land, climate, and farming expertise of the Canterbury Plains.
Why Canterbury Is Ideal for Growing Hemp
Canterbury offers a unique combination of natural conditions and agricultural know-how that make it exceptionally well suited to hemp cultivation.
🌱 Ideal Climate
Canterbury has a temperate climate with long summer daylight hours, which is perfect for hemp. Hemp is a light-sensitive crop, and the extended sunshine during Canterbury summers supports strong, even growth and good seed development.
🌱 Flat, Free-Draining Soils
The Canterbury Plains are known for their light, free-draining soils, which hemp thrives in. These soils allow hemp’s deep taproot system to develop fully, helping plants access nutrients and moisture deeper in the soil profile.
🌱 Reliable Water and Irrigation
While hemp is a hardy crop once established, water is essential during the early growth stage. Canterbury’s access to deep bores and established irrigation systems means crops can be supported during drier periods, especially in the first month when seedlings require the most moisture.
🌱 Strong Agricultural Infrastructure
Canterbury has a long history of arable farming. Existing infrastructure, skilled growers, and processing facilities in Mid Canterbury (including Ashburton) make the region a natural hub for hemp production and processing.
Mid Canterbury – The Heart of New Zealand Hemp
Mid Canterbury is often referred to as the “home of hemp” in New Zealand. The region has become central to the country’s hemp industry thanks to:
- Experienced arable farmers
- Proximity to processing facilities
- Suitable land and irrigation
- A strong focus on crop diversification
For many farmers, hemp is grown as a break crop, helping improve soil health while also providing an additional income stream.
Hemp as a Break Crop: Better for the Land
Hemp has been used globally for centuries as a rotation crop, and for good reason.
- Deep root systems help aerate the soil and access nutrients other crops can’t reach
- Natural weed suppression once the canopy is established
- Improved soil structure for following crops
- Supports long-term farm productivity
In parts of Europe, hemp has even been used to help remediate soils by drawing heavy metals from polluted ground — highlighting just how robust and adaptable the plant is.
Low-Input, High-Performance Farming
While hemp is often described as a low-input crop, successful commercial production still requires good soil management.
- Hemp is not a nitrogen fixer, so balanced nutrients are important
- Most nutrient uptake happens in the first 6–8 weeks, supporting rapid growth
Canterbury farmers combine modern agronomy with sustainable practices to grow hemp efficiently while caring for the land.
Hemp in New Zealand and Around the World
Industrial hemp is grown globally, including in countries such as China, France, Canada, Australia, and across Europe. New Zealand began hemp trials in the early 2000s and has since developed regionally suited cultivars for our temperate climate.
In New Zealand, hemp performs best in regions like Canterbury, Tasman, and Hawke’s Bay, where temperate conditions and irrigation support consistent yields.
From Field to Finished Product
Harvest timing depends on the intended use. For seed production, hemp is harvested once the majority of seeds are mature. Processing then takes place close to where the crop is grown, supporting local jobs and regional development.
Keeping processing close to the farm reduces transport, supports rural economies, and ensures quality is maintained every step of the way.
Our Commitment to Local, Traceable Hemp
By sourcing our hemp seed from Canterbury, we’re supporting:
- New Zealand farmers
- Sustainable land use
- Regional processing and development
- High-quality, traceable hemp products
When you choose Hemp Farm products, you’re choosing hemp that’s grown with care, shaped by the Canterbury landscape, and backed by generations of farming expertise.
From Canterbury fields to your kitchen - that’s the Hemp Farm difference.