Operating within the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) is part of a vibrant research ecosystem. LISAF is a world-class research institute that brings together experts in agriculture, food, and health, fostering dynamic collaboration and meaningful industry engagement.
This collaborative spirit was on full display last week at the Hemp-Connect Forum 2025, a national event co-organised by the Australian Hemp Council (AHC) and LISAF, and held at La Trobe University’s AgriBio Building from 25–27 June.
The forum brought together leaders across agriculture, construction, sustainability, and business to explore how hemp-based materials can offer scalable, carbon-negative building solutions. A key theme across the three-day forum was the integration of industrial hemp across the construction supply chain, from plant breeding and cultivation through to processing and building applications. The program featured speakers from across the agricultural and construction sectors, including architects, growers, plant scientists, post-harvest specialists, and regulators.
All presentations and interviews are now available: click here.
PC Hub Researchers at the Forefront
Researchers from the ARC PC Hub played a prominent role in the forum, highlighting how protected cropping science can support the emerging hemp industry:
- Associate Professor Monika Doblin showcased the Hub’s research capabilities and their potential to advance industrial hemp innovation in Australia.
- Dr Ricarda Jost shared new findings on nutrient use in hemp cultivation, discussing how nutrient strategies affect biomass production and flowering, key traits for fibre and seed production.
- Dr Veronica Borrett, Senior Director of the PC Hub, was an integral part of the organising committee, shaping the program and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
- Andrea Gallo, Research & Operations Manager at LISAF, provided organisational support and strategic advice, contributing to the event’s success.
The Hemp-Connect Forum 2025 was a powerful example of the collaborative, industry-engaged research environment fostered at LISAF, and a testament to the PC Hub’s ongoing commitment to applied, impactful agricultural innovation.
Stay tuned for updates on our research, industry collaborations, and opportunities to engage with the PC Hub.
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