News
Hemp growing publication available

Jan. 25, 2016 - Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) has a new publication aimed at growers looking to grow hemp.

Industrial Hemp Enterprise is designed to assist producers who are considering a hemp enterprise; who are new entrants to hemp; and/or who are expanding their hemp enterprise to make informed decisions regarding crop production, handling and risk management.

Topics covered in the book include license application, environmental benefits, growing hemp, harvesting hemp and sourcing pedigreed seed, and more.

In the past five years, the national acreage of industrial hemp has grown about 25 percent annually in Canada. In 2015, Alberta provided 29 per cent of the Canadian hemp production with over 24,500 licensed acres.

"Due a bumper crop last year in the Prairies, hemp grain buyers are not seeking as many conventional hemp grain acres this coming growing season," says Lori-Jo Graham, program lead, biomaterials, AF, Olds. "However they are exceedingly interested in contracting organic hemp acres.

"Customers and company buyers are now specifically asking for hemp. You see it on the major grocery chains shelves and in a variety of high end health food and cosmetic products. Hemp clothing, automotive interior parts and green building are leading the way to a multitude of fibre-based market applications in North America, creating a future demand for more hemp feedstock in Alberta."

Industrial Hemp Enterprise is available online. Alberta residents can order a black-and white hard copy at no charge by calling 780-427-0391.

January 26, 2016  By Top Crop Manager