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By Alice McFarlane

Hemp Production

Improving hemp yields

Apr 5, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Better hemp genetics will improve yield per acre and make hemp a more cost competitive crop for farmers.

The goal is to develop hybrid hemp cultivars with the physical and functional traits wanted by processors, food ingredient companies and consumers.

During the five-year project, Protein Industries Canada, along with Verve Seed Solutions, Farmer’s Business Network Canada (FBN) and Fresh Hemp Foods (FHF) will work to increase yield per acre and bring high-quality and low-cost hemp protein to the market.

The total project will see $5.7 million spent on an identity preserved production system. Protein Industries Canada will invest $2.5 million, with the partners investing the remainder.

FBN manages hybrid canola and hemp breeding programs and together with Verve has the largest hemp seed genetics portfolio in North America. Verve, through its parent company HGI, is one of the longest-serving hemp seed companies in North America and a leader in providing hemp varieties to the Canadian, US and international markets. Fresh Hemp Foods is a global leader in contract hemp production, food ingredient processing and hemp-based consumer packaged goods.

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Scott Horner, President of Verve Seed Solutions said consumers want plant-based proteins.

“Consumption has been limited by deficiencies in nutrition, price and taste/texture parity with conventional products,” Horner said. “Utilization of hemp protein as a food ingredient can address nutrition and taste/texture challenges and development of hemp hybrids with significant yield advantage makes hemp a cost competitive option which will drive demand for production.”

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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