Alberta’s fledgling rhodiola rosea industry has received a boost of almost $750,000.
The money, $740,950, is from AVAC Ltd. a private not for profit company that invests in research initiatives and value added agriculture in Alberta.
By 2010, the Alberta government hopes to have 400 acres of rhodiola rosea under cultivation and a strong processing operation.
Rhodiola rosea, a rubbery-looking plant that thrives in Alberta’s cold winters and long days, is becoming a popular health food product.
Alberta crop researchers hope the ancient medicinal herb used to increase endurance in Russian cosmonauts, Olympic athletes and soldiers in Afghanistan will also give Alberta farmers a boost.
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Project organizers have distributed one million seedlings to help establish the industry and learn more about plant growth, ideal spacing, herbicide use and harvesting techniques.
There are now 48 growers across the province, mainly in a region between Edmonton and Peace River.
After four years of study in plots at the Crop Development Centre North outside Edmonton, only 10 percent of echinacea plants survived while rhodiola showed the ability to thrive. The perennial plant is one of the first out of the ground in the spring.
Its root and crown contain the active ingredient rosavins, used in the health food industry. It is expected to reach a value of $80 to $120 million.
Until recently, the plant has been collected only from wild areas in Russia. With depleting native sources and increasing demand, agriculture officials hope Alberta farmers will be able to fill the demand.
The seeds come from Finland and are grown in greenhouses in January and planted by June.
Plants take three to five years to reach maturity, which is when the roots are harvested.
