Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance Forms
Regina, August 1st, 2003 - A new national group active in the Industrial Hemp sector has formed the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance/ Alliance Commerciale Canadienne du Chanvre (CHTA/ACCC). Composed of farmers, processors, marketers and researchers, the CHTA has members drawn from across the county. Membership is open to companies active in the Canadian hemp sector.
Industrial Hemp has been grown commercially in Canada since 1998. The CHTA's initial activities will include market development and advocacy, information creation and distribution, and creating an effective national network.
"A national group to represent the best interests of this innovative sector is necessary to move Canada's hemp industry forward," says Arthur Hanks, Executive Director, CHTA. "One of our major activities this year will be to raise awareness of the health benefits of hemp foods in Canada and the United States, through trade shows, print media and the web."
Hemp seed foods are attracting nutritional interest as they are high in digestible protein and are also rich sources of omega 3 and omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids.
The CHTA's long term vision is to aid the growth of both hemp fibre and seed sectors.
The CHTA will be holding its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Toronto on October 17th, 2003, at the Holiday Inn, 370 King Street West, corresponding with the Canadian Health Food Show that weekend. The CHTA meeting will be held between 6-9 pm; the itinerary will consist of supper followed by a business meeting, and features the election of the CHTA Board of Directors.
The nonprofit CHTA's projects for 2003-2004 have been made possible with funding from the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) fund of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and industry sources.
"We are grateful for the public and private sector support of this initiative. Strong associations build strong industries; the formation of the CHTA will play a role in ensuring that the hardworking pioneers active in the sector today will reap the rewards of this growth tomorrow," adds Hanks.
For membership inquiries, AGM registration and other information about CHTA/ACCC please contact:
Arthur Hanks
Executive Director, CHTA
Tel: (306) 757-HEMP (4367)
Fax: (306) 757-4365
Email: arthur@saskhemp.com
Please click here to download press release in PDF format.
