Hemp farmers receive investment to heighten exports

By Contributor

Canadian hemp producers could benefit from a boost to their marketing brand abroad with the support of the Government of Canada.

An investment of more than $55,000 was made by the federal government to the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) as it kicks off its national convention in Winnipeg.

With this investment, the CHTA will promote Canadian hemp to international markets. This will include placing the Canada Brand and new CHTA logo on promotional materials as well as a trade show booth.

This investment will enable the Alliance to increase participation in trade shows as well as invite international speakers to make presentations at its two-day national convention in Winnipeg, which began Monday.

"The funding support available to the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance through the AgriMarketing Program has allowed us to undertake projects that would otherwise not be possible," said Kim Shukla, executive director of the CHTA.

In 2010, exports of hemp seed and hemp products were valued at more than $10 million. This represents an increase of about 200 per cent from 2007.

The CHTA is a national organization, representing those involved in Canada's hemp industry, which promotes Canadian hemp and hemp products globally.

To find out more about the AgriMarketing program or the Canada Brand international strategy, visit: www.agr.gc.ca/agrimarketing or www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca