Joe Federowich gets excited rather than alarmed by the idea that American farmers may one day be allowed to legally grow industrial hemp.
Legislation has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives that would allow states to regulate industrial hemp farming. North Dakota is among the loudest advocates of that legislation.
Federowich, who farms near Gilbert Plains, Man., and chairs an industrial hemp growers co-op in his area, said the possible legalization of the crop in the U.S. could create opportunities for growers in Canada.
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Canadian farmers have been able to grow industrial hemp legally since the late 1990s, provided they get a licence to do so from the federal government. That has given them time to test the agronomics of different hemp varieties to learn which perform best in their soils and climates.
Federowich said there could be strong demand from American growers for seed if they get the green light to plant industrial hemp.
“We see that as a huge potential business for us.
“It’d be nice to get a toehold before they start, which I think we will.”
Federowich prefers to think that an American hemp industry, if it goes ahead, will want to work with a Canadian industry backed by several years experience in hemp production and marketing.
“You don’t want to reinvent the wheel.”
Industrial hemp can be used in a wide range of products, including foods, soaps, cosmetics, textiles, paints and plastics.
North Dakota agriculture commissioner Roger Johnson said hemp could fit well with crop rotations in his state while providing opportunities for value-added enterprises.
“It’s like any other industry. You don’t build it from scratch real fast.”
North Dakota had substantial acreage in hemp during the Second World War, but hemp farming was outlawed after the war and the plant became listed as a noxious weed. The crop is related to marijuana but lacks enough of the ingredient needed to get the high that pot provides.
Johnson said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is one of the greatest opponents of allowing industrial hemp production in the U.S. He noted that products derived from industrial hemp can be imported into the U.S. but he could not say what the volumes of imports are.
“It’s just silly that we can’t raise it,” he said. “It’s not going to be anyone’s salvation, but it’s another crop that can be grown here.”
Meanwhile, Federowich said work continues to establish a hemp fibre processing plant at Dauphin, Man. Federal and provincial funding has been committed for the project, although no date has been set for the launch of a public share offering to raise more capital.
“We’ve been at this since 1999,” he said. “We see huge potential.”
Hemp fibre is known for its strength and durability. Federowich said several potential markets are being explored for the fibre, including the pulp and paper industry.
