Industrial Hemp - Most profitable Canadian crop in 2006
The Manitoba Co-Operator has declared industrial hemp (seed) to have "a better profit outlook than any other crop in 2006." With the breakeven yield for hemp seed at 388 pounds per acre, farmers feel there is plenty of risk buffer, given average Manitoba harvest yields of over 500 pounds per acre. Coupled with the fact that many of region's staple crops are projected to "under-yield" in 2006, this could be industrial hemp's biggest season ever.
Manitoba has been repeatedly cited as a good example of how government and farmers can cooperate to ensure effect market outlets for farmers. Multiple processing options and plenty of contracted acreage, practically ensures an economically viable seaons for farmers. Currently, Canadian authorities estimate some 30,000 acres of hemp will be planted this season.
The article points out that broader acceptance of hemp-based products in the United States, coupled with the DEA's irrational reluctance to issue cultivation permits, has helped restart Canada's industrial hemp industry.