A vision for the Canadian hemp industry: new lines, new products, more acres

Processors need a home for off-spec seed, hulls, and protein cake, Haney says, adding that these products could move into the livestock sector with the proper approvals. There needs to be increased capacity of primary and secondary fibre processing, too, and at-scale harvesting of the flower and leaf of the hemp plant for processing. Because the industry has been seed-focused for several years, current genetics reflect that. Haney adds that last year’s regulatory change was the trigger needed to evolve cultivar development. Haney says there were at least 20 cultivars field tested this year that are on the road to registration. By 2023, he says, farmers will be able to choose from a new list of dual or tri-purpose hemp lines, ones with solid seed yield, improved CBD content, and valuable fibre. But it’s not all sunshine, rainbows, and trend lines going straight up. Haney says that there are some major obstacles to navigate in launching this industry past a one-product crop. ...