b'Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp.s Bruderheim Decortication Facility in Bruderheim, Alta.PHOTO: CANADIAN ROCKIES HEMP CORP.The research analyzed the production capabilities andare particularly well-suited for fibre production in the Prairies, characteristics of new varieties in Alberta (and Canada with)enhancing the industrys sustainability and competitiveness, Barr new varieties available globally that are being tested in Alberta.adds.RDARs investment is in support of farmers and the hemp fibre industry identifying the varieties that are best suited agronomicallyInvestor Opportunities for Hemp Processingand towards the manufacturing use of the hemp fibre, DobsonIn 2022, INCA, a global hemp manufacturer, announced a explains. $72-million hemp processing facility in Vegreville, Alta. while Blue He adds varieties that work well in the food industry may notSky Hemp Ventures has announced plans for a $75-million hemp function well for fibre processing. There also may be different fibrefood processing facility. Smoky Hemp Decortication Ltd. has varieties best suited for the different types of fibre markets. broken ground in Donnelly, Alta. with plans to expand acreage in Barr says the outcome of the CRHC project has yieldedthe southern Peace region.information into what the most promising hemp fibre varietiesAs processing facilities are built and increase their operating are, optimal soil types for growing, fertility requirements, seedingcapacity, more opportunities will become available for farmers to methods, harvesting techniques, and decortication processes.grow hemp for fibre. Dobson says emerging business investment The significance of this research cannot be overstated, as it isand market opportunities are working to create a $1 billion market pivotal for the growth of the Canadian hemp fibre industry, Barrin Canada for hemp. says. The development of high-yield hemp fibre varieties promisesCHTA is also conducting research to support the registration to boost revenues for Albertas farming community, ultimatelyof hemp products as livestock feed. The research is focused on contributing to the expansion and success of the hemp sector. showing the safety of the products. This will allow for there to be a He adds that due to this research, several high-performing fibreuse for hemp grain which is a by-product of the fibre manufacturing varieties will be added to the List of Approved Cultivars and threeprocess. Ukrainian varieties, Hlesiia, Hlukhivski 85 and Hlukivski 51,A early stages of emerging and its success will be based on have been approved by the Canadian Seed Growers Associationthe investment attraction of processing capacity, adds Dobson. and have been submitted for inclusion on Health Canadas List ofEnsuring a strong knowledge base will guide production decisions Approved Cultivars.and the long-term success in the emerging market.Furthermore, the project has provided concrete research-based Lisa Kopochinskievidence guiding the selection of Canadian hemp varieties that Spring 2024 31'