It all started during research for Shop Like the Planet’s Watching, York Region Environmental Alliance’s current campaign, with the realization that there is no such thing as sustainable clothing. Even organic cotton or hemp must travel over 12,000 kilometres to reach us from India or China.
Gloria Marsh, executive director of YREA, wondered about establishing a local hemp industry in York.
YREA was grateful to secure one year of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to enhance the sustainability of its organization and the economic health of our communities by researching the feasibility of a social enterprise hemp industry in York Region. What does this mean? YREA plans to enter the hemp business through a joint venture partnership whereby they would develop a vibrant hemp community, while at the same time, secure ongoing funding to carry on their operations.
At the moment hemp food processors such as Oilseed Works Inc., home of Hempola in Barrie, must source their supplies from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
“We are missing a golden opportunity to develop a vital local hemp economy,” said Greg Herriott, founder of Oilseed Works.
YREA plans to remedy this by hosting a special meeting geared towards farmers and other stakeholders. On Saturday, March 3, YREA will present a talk by Greg Herriott of Oilseed Works Inc. and Hempola Valley Farms, an 18-year veteran of the hemp industry. Oilseed Works Inc. is a recent recipient of the highly credited Earth Day Canada Hometown Hero Award for Small Business. Herriott’s presentation will provide a hemp markets/industry overview and will include an offer to farmers to plant hemp this year, from supplied seed. Guidance on crop management and Health Canada licensing requirements will be taken care of for farmers and a guaranteed market is assured, as the entire crop will be purchased at harvest, according to Herriott.
“What an incredible opportunity for farmers to easily and effectively explore the potential of this new plant or utilize it for crop rotation and field regeneration,” said Fiona Wood, YREA outreach coordinator. “It would be worthwhile to have as many farmers and stakeholders as possible in attendance.”
“Economic, social and environmental sustainability would all be addressed in the YREA establishment of a hemp industry,” said Marsh, and we are seeking partners and funders to make this all happen. Our initial focus will be on food and fuel, but we will also explore the feasibility of hemp for building, technical and industrial materials, paper and textiles. We see hemp as injecting new life into farming in York Region and surrounding areas and our vision is to participate in a demonstration farm open to the public which would employ local youth.”
Join the York Region Environmental Alliance for an informative introduction to industrial hemp March 3 at 2 p.m. at the York Region Administrative Centre, committee room B, 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket. RSVP for this event toFiona@yrea.org or 416-556-8065.
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