1)
What is the State of Canada's Hemp Industry?
Canadian farmers have been growing industrial hemp commercially since
1998. This followed several years of research trials in regions across
Canada. Hemp is strictly regulated under a licensing system administered
by Health Canada's Office of Controlled Substances. In 2004 over 2500
h. of hemp were grown in Canada for seed, grain and fibre. There are
considerable value-added uses for hemp materials: estimates as to
the value of Canada's hemp sector are between $10 -40 million CDN
and growing. SHA networks with associations, businesses and governments
from across the country and abroad to help grow the industry.
2)
How Much Hemp is Grown in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan is one of the major growing areas of hemp in Canada.
In 2004, anbut two dozen farmers grew roughly 1000 licensed hectares.
Hemp is a photosensitive plant, so Saskatchewan's long summer days
contribute to the rich nutritional profile of the seed. Cool nights
and clean environment contribute to making hardy, healthy plants.
3) Where Can I Get Fibre?
Currently
there are no commercial facilities for separating hemp fibre on the Canadian Prairies.
For legitimate R&D purposes, SHA sources whole stalks from its membership
base and can help source separated fibre -- hurds and bast -- as well.
4)
Where Can I Get Grain?
SHA maintains inventories of members' past production, and helps links
producers to buyers. For commercial and wholesale accounts, please
goto the webspage of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance at: www.hemptrade.ca
.
5) Where Can I Buy Hemp Products?
SHA does not sell retail to the public. However, leading health food
stores in the province are the best source of Saskatchewan-grown and
produced hempseed foods and cosmetic products. For other hemp products,
and for out-of-province shopping, please see www.hempstores.com
. There are also a number of quality retailers operating online stores
with broad selection and good prices.
6)
Can I Make Money Growing Hemp?
SHA holds that hemp is a high risk crop that's a very good risk for
some producers to take! Because it's a small sector, the market is
vulnerable to price fluctuations dependent in part on supply. Successful
hemp farmers emphasize quality and create enduring relationships with
buyers. 2005 production is being contracted at $0.45 Conventional,
$0.85 Certified Organic, FOB cleaniing plant. A good yield is about
800-900 lbs an acre, but average yield of 500-600 lbs. are more common.
7) Can
I Work on a Hemp Farm?
This is one of the most common questions we answer.
The bad news is that "hemp farms" do not exist - what we do have are
farmers who grow hemp! All of our farmers grow many other crops, and some of them
do not grow every year depending on market conditions and on their own crop rotations.
A subtle distinction, but one to keep in mind. Currently SHA does not have an
internship program, but are looking at creating one in the future. Enthusiastic,
positive and hard working people interested in sustainable agriculture should
check out Willing
Workers on Organic Farms.
8)
Will You Help Me With a Project?
Education on the many uses of hemp is
a priority. SHA is always willing to help students -- of all levels -- on a school
project. This does not mean we will do the work for you, but we will point you
towards the resources you need, and answer as many questions that we have time
for. We appreciate receiving a copy of the assignment after it has been returned
and marked.
9)
Can You Tell Me Everything You Know About ...?
SHA appreciates sincere
business and research enquiries. We have put a lot of work into hemp over the
past half decade and have a lot of information to transmit and disseminate to
companies and individuals committed to a fair exchange of ideas. However, SHA
members are our priority and receive the most up-to-date information..
10)
Where Can I Read More About Hemp?
Please
goto the webpage of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance at:
www.hemptrade.ca
Also,
please see our links
and corporate
members section for pathways to some of the more informative and
accurate sites available.
11)
Can Hemp Save the World?
No (*sound of balloons popping*). The SHA believes that's a too-heavy
burden for one plant to carry! We think hemp is part of the solution
in making for a more sustainable world, whether its helping make healthier
food, renewable materials or green energy. Plantation-style monoculture
does not make for healthy farm ecology or for sustainable industries.
12) Is an SHA Membership Important for my Business?
As a membership-driven association, SHA works with individuals and
business across the value chain. Since 1998, SHA has been instrumental
in helping many new businesses get established as well as find the
right opportunities for Saskatchewan producers. All of our efforts
in education, outreach, research, lobbying, and lead generation creates
a substantial dollar return to your business. Your membership helps
create more opportunities for hemp -- now and in the future.
Please
see SHA
Corporate Member Benefits and SHA
Producer Member Benefits to learn more about our to learn about
our member services.
