“Growing hemp is often thought of as taboo,” says Patti Breland, project coordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “There is much success with growing hemp in northern Alberta. Since 1997 with a license from Health Canada, it has been legal to grow industrial hemp commercially in Canada.”
Research conducted at Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures in Vegreville started seven years ago and the expansion of this program has lead to the creation of one of the largest hemp research groups in Canada. Currently, there are 20,000 acres of hemp in Canada, and demand for the fibre hemp produces is growing. Manufacturers are looking for hemp fibre supply to green their products.
Alberta Biomaterial Development Centre (ABDC) is sponsoring a Hemp & Flax Crop Walk at the Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures in Vegreville on July 27, 2011. The Centre is building on the success of last year’s crop walk and will address questions that producers raised. “If you are a producer wanting to explore these exciting opportunities,” says Patti, “come to the Crop Walk and speak with the experts to get your questions answered.”
You will also have a chance to tour the recently developed fibre processing facility, which is bringing producers and manufacturers together to commercialize bioproducts. You can register for this event by emailing Ruth DeSantis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
ABDC is your link to capitalize on feedstock expertise and help turn hemp biomass into sustainable opportunities for you and your community (albertabiomaterials.ca).
Contact:
Patti Breland
780-853-8181
Ruth DeSantis
403-948-8516
