It was an honour to be part of one of the Northern Rivers’ most anticipated gatherings of the year. The Norco Primex Business Leaders Luncheon, hosted by Business NSW as part of the Norco Primex Field Days, brought together regional leaders, researchers, industry innovators and community voices, and Hemp Collective & Ihemp NSW was proud to have a seat at the table.
A HISTORIC OCCASION FOR THE NORTHERN RIVERS
This year’s luncheon carried particular significance it marked the first Primex event held at the Lismore Showgrounds following more than 40 years in Casino. That move is more than logistical; it reflects the evolving role of Lismore as a regional centre and signals continued confidence and investment in the Northern Rivers’ future.
Hosted under the theme Powering Regional Innovation, the afternoon was designed to be relaxed yet purposeful, a rare chance for regional leaders to step away from day-to-day demands and connect with the people actively shaping this region’s future.
HEMP COLLECTIVE ON THE PANEL
We were delighted to be invited to join the Powering Regional Innovation Panel, one of the key sessions of the luncheon. The panel was a genuine conversation, not a rehearsed presentation, exploring how industry and research institutions can collaborate to drive regional innovation from the ground up.
Ben Roche opened by setting the scene, sharing Southern Cross University’s focus on connecting with local organisations to drive meaningful innovation. He then spotlighted the remarkable work Professor Kretzschmar is doing across hemp, rice and coffee, before turning to Hemp Collective to share our story.
“What we have been building with Hemp Collective is bigger than a business — it’s a case study in what this region is capable of when agriculture, research and community align.” HEMP COLLECTIVE FOUNDER, PRIMEX PANEL 2026
The conversation covered what Hemp Collective has been doing on the ground, from product development to advocacy for the broader agricultural, environmental and regional economic potential of hemp as a crop. It was an opportunity to shine a light on an industry that has the capacity to transform Northern Rivers farming, create local jobs and contribute to a more resilient regional economy.
The Q&A that followed was lively and engaged, a testament to how much appetite there is in this region for honest conversations about where we’re headed and how we get there together.
Events like this don’t happen without the generosity of organisations that believe in regional communities. Our sincere thanks to everyone who made the Norco Primex Business Leaders Luncheon possible.
The conversations sparked at Primex don’t end when the tables are packed away. Hemp Collective will continue working alongside researchers, farmers, policymakers and regional leaders to advance the case for hemp as a cornerstone crop for the Northern Rivers — and for Australia.
If you’d like to learn more about what we’re doing, connect with us directly or follow along here on the Hemp Collective blog for updates on our advocacy, products and the people driving this industry forward.
