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Industrial hemp is a very new
crop to Canada and Manitoba. It was first licensed for growing in Canada in
1998 by Health Canada. Industrial hemp grows well in all of Manitoba and
especially in the northern part of the province where diversification
options are limited by climate. It has potential as a grain crop for oil,
protein, de-hulling, and as biofibre. The crop has potential as a food
source for nutraceutical and other functional food products.
Licensing under Health Canada
guidelines tightly control industrial hemp production. All hemp grown must
be grown from certified seed, licensed and low in THC
(delta-9-Tetrahydracannanbinol). The industry thus relies on a supply of
economical, high quality, low THC certified seed supplied by a plant
breeding program. Without hemp varieties and certified seed, there is not a
possibility of growth in the industry.
This project is a
continuation of an industrial hemp breeding program that was started in
Manitoba in 2002. The first phase of evaluating germplasm suitable for
Manitoba growing conditions has been done. A line was selected and advanced
for registration as the variety Alyssa in February, 2004.
The main priority of the program will be to
screen and develop lines and potential varieties that will mature in
Manitoba with low THC, and produce oil with high GLA content and an
acceptable Omega 3:6 balance.
Partners in this project
include Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Manitoba Rural
Adaptation Council, Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation, University of
Guelph, Fresh Hemp Foods, and Hemp Oil Canada.
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