Hemp Alliance Gets Funding For Review

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The Ontario Hemp Alliance is working to put together a review of Health Canada's regulations in three months.

The organization received $215,000 from the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food program ( ACAAF ) to carry out a complete regulatory review. It must be submitted by March 31, 2009.

Over the last three or four years there has been a steady increase in the processing of hemp, and the development of many small businesses engaged in developing new products and marketing of these products. Work is well underway to evaluate hemp as a potential source of producing pulp and fiber out west and many Canadian hemp food companies are developing a wide range of products from snack foods, to basics like flour and edible oil. There are shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers, commercial paints, beer and aromatherapy and cosmetic products. In addition, industry experts estimate that 1/3 of Canadian hemp seed production is certified organic, a sector growing 20 per cent annually.

Also encouraging is the collaboration between the National Research Council Canada ( NRC ) and Hemptown Clothing Inc., a manufacturer of hemp clothing. This partnership is meant to develop enzyme technology to process hemp to make fabric. The technology promises dramatically improved fiber quality ( softer, whiter fabric ) using environmentally friendly methods.

As a result, the Hemp Alliance says it's time for a review of the industry and the creation of industry standards. The regulatory review is a first step.

Niels Hansen-Trip was head of the Industrial Hemp Section of Health Canada when the first regulations were announced. He's now completing the 2009 review.

He says, "Our greatest challenge will be getting everyone to the table within our timeline. We have scheduled a series of meetings to get input from people who work with hemp and we need them to come out and provided their ideas." Those who have an interest in hemp are encouraged to contact the OHA at Ontario Hemp Alliance - Opening to learn more or contact Niels at info@ontariohempalliace.org.


News Hawk: User: http://www.420magazine.com/
Source: Ontario Farmer (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 Ontario Farmer Publications
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