Hemp Farmers Receive Investment to Heighten Exports

PRESS RELEASE
Source: marketwatch.com

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, Nov 21, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Canadian hemp producers will benefit from a boost to their marketing brand abroad thanks to the support of the Government of Canada. The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of more than $55,000 to the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) as it kicks off its national convention in Winnipeg.

"Hemp food products are a rapidly growing market with great versatility, ranging from high quality flour and pasta to nutritional bars and even ice cream," said MP Fletcher. "Our Government is proud to help this industry capitalize on its successes and further enhance its competitiveness in international markets while bolstering the Canadian economy."

With this investment, the CHTA will promote the high quality of Canadian hemp to international markets. This will include placing the Canada Brand and new CHTA logo on promotional materials as well as a trade show booth. This investment will enable the Alliance to increase participation in key trade shows as well as invite international speakers to make presentations at its two-day national convention in Winnipeg, which began today.

"The funding support available to the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance through the AgriMarketing Program has allowed us to undertake projects that would otherwise not be possible," said Kim Shukla, executive director of the CHTA. "These are projects that support the growth of the hemp sector, a sector with tremendous range of market opportunities encompassing green, healthy living from food to biofibres."

In 2010, exports of hemp seed and hemp products were valued at more than $10 million. This represents an increase of about 200 per cent from 2007. The CHTA is a national organization, representing those involved in Canada's hemp industry, which promotes Canadian hemp and hemp products globally.

The Government of Canada has also developed the Canada Brand strategy to help the Canadian agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood sector distinguish itself from key competitors in international markets. The Canada Brand encourages buyers overseas to link Canadian products with quality, commitment, trustworthiness and the clean land and water for which Canada is known.

Tools and promotional products, including a stylized maple leaf logo, are available to registered Canada Brand members to help them develop marketing strategies and activities adapted to their own circumstances.

To find out more about the AgriMarketing program or the Canada Brand international strategy, visit: www.agr.gc.ca/agrimarketing or www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca .