Scoping
Phase 1 established the project design before evidence collection began. It defined the research questions, geographic scope, assumptions, evidence needs, stakeholder categories, analysis framework, source priorities and business case structure.
No commercial or environmental conclusion was reached in Phase 1. Its role was to set up a disciplined assessment so later findings can be tested against clear evidence requirements.
Scope Transition
The original Phase 1 scoping used Granite Borders Landcare and the Granite Borders region as a workable starting frame. The scoping foundation has now been updated to the New England Landcare Network member-organisation footprint before the next secondary research update.
What To Read Here
| Page | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Project Charter | The project scope, objectives, constraints and decision gates. |
| Question Hierarchy | The research question structure and evidence thresholds. |
| Assumptions Register | Assumptions that must be tested rather than accepted. |
| Data Requirements | Datasets and evidence categories needed in later phases. |
| Stakeholder Map Summary | Stakeholder groups relevant to future primary research and decision-making. |
| Source Priority Summary | Which source types should be prioritised and how evidence quality is judged. |
| Phase 1 Gaps and Risks | Key project risks, blind spots and controls identified before Phase 2. |
| Phase 1 Summary Report | The full publishable summary of Phase 1 outputs and readiness for Phase 2. |
Phase 1 Result
Phase 1 found the project design ready for Phase 2, subject to evidence controls. The main requirement for later work is to avoid assuming that industrial hemp is viable, sustainable, profitable or unsuitable until those claims are tested against credible evidence and realistic regional alternatives.