Who we are

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Who we are

Our experienced delivery team includes HempGro's Board of Directors, which includes co-op members, independents, and the appointed Executive Officer.

Chairperson

Nicole Botica

Nicole has had over 20 years experience researching the benefits of Hemp Seed Oil in the cosmetic industry. During this time she had the opportunity to educate Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop, to advance research & development on Hemp Seed Oil cosmetics. Nicole is a committee member for iHemp Association and currently has a small business making handmade Hemp Seed Oil soaps and lotions.

Nicole has over 10 years experience in project management within the community development sector fostering partnerships and building vibrant and sustainable communities. She has event management skills and excellent public relations. Nicole is currently working in the agricultural sector coordinating data analysis and strategic planning for a private organisation. Presently she is developing her skills in co-operative management through a post graduate course from University of Newcastle on Co-operative Organisation and Management.

Honorary Executive Officer

Gail Stubber

Gail Stubber has been growing since 2016. She is a past Vice President of Ihemp Association and a current board member and has been on the committee for two years. She was the co-founder of the WA Hemp Growers Facebook page and maintains an administrative role on the site.

Gail has a Masters in Sustainable Development based on community engagement practices and finding ways to engage country towns in raising community consciousness. She applies her skills in democratic decision making to the development of the co-op and harnessing the talents and passions of our farmers. She is presently developing her skills in co-operative management through a post graduate course from University of Newcastle on Co-operative Organisation and Management.

Independent Board Member

Ian Smith

Ian is new to the Hemp Industry and the Co-op but he has a clear vision of helping the Co-op become a voice in the Hemp industry in WA. He sees the need to talk to Government and farmers about how this new crop can build a number of valuable industries.

Ian is a farmer from Esperance who now works as an engineer in mining processing and equipment. He brings skills with building and developing machinery for mining and hopes to use these skills to build equipment to make processing hemp easier and more cost effective.

Vice Chairperson

Richard Davy

Richard is new to the hemp industry but sees massive potential on many levels for the crop. He has grown hemp for two seasons. His passion is for fibre and developing an industry for this product in WA.

Richard was born into dairy farming and is a certified organic grower. He has studied biological soil science and holistic resource management and applies these practices when managing his farm. He has a strong creative side and practical problem solving abilities.

Board Member

Jono Van Hazel

Jono is new to the hemp industry but has been conducting trials for two seasons in the south west of WA. He also has 2 years of concurrent experience with a leading Australia medicinal cannabis company which successfully delivered the first Australian grown manufactured cannabinoid medicine to patients. Since leaving that company, he co-founded Altum International which is focused on the delivery of cannabinoid inputs and finished products to the Asia Pacific region.

Jono has over 20 years of experience across a range of engineering, finance and project management roles.

Board Member

Marnie Kennedy

Marnie has been interested in growing hemp for several years and with the purchase of her small farm she saw the opportunity to put that interest into practice. Marnie believes the industrial hemp industry in Western Australia has the potential to grow exponentially as farmers learn about the advantages of including hemp in their farming systems, small manufacturing firms begin producing hemp products and consumers learn about the unique characteristics of this wonderful food and fibre.

Marnie has worked in consulting roles for the last 15 years and currently manages a range of market research projects. Marnie has also commenced a Bachelor of Science majoring in Regenerative Agriculture at Southern Cross University.