A Canadian collaboration aims to develop hybrid hemp cultivars that will improve yield per acre and help strengthen the diversity and sustainability of the country’s crops.
Canada is the world’s largest producer of hemp seed. According to Tridge, the 32.99 million kilograms produced in 2022 accounted for 78% of global production. It has a huge lead on the next biggest producer, Australia, which racked up 3.6 million kilograms in 2022 and captured 8.5% of market share.
Canada isn’t resting on its laurels though, with an announcement from Protein Industries Canada of a new project to increase yield per acre and bringing high-quality, low-cost hemp protein to the market. One of the country’s five Global Innovation Clusters, Protein Industries Canada is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization charged with the task of positioning Canada as a global source of high-quality plant protein and plant-based co-products.
The new project sees the organisation teaming up with Verve Seed Solutions, Farmer’s Business Network Canada (FBN) and Fresh Hemp Foods (FHF). Protein Industries Canada will invest $2.5 million in the 5-year initiative, with program partners kicking in the balance.
“The diversity and sustainability of Canadian crops are further strengthened with innovation and investment into new varieties,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel. “Improving the yield of hemp increases the profitability of the crop, bringing benefit to farmers, while also bringing more healthy and sustainable high-protein options for ingredient manufacturers and food processors.”
The project partners know a thing or two about hemp, and hemp seed. FBN manages hybrid hemp-breeding programs, Verve’s parent company is one of the longest-serving hemp seed companies in North America, and Fresh Hemp Foods has been contracting production, food ingredient processing and hemp-based consumer packaged goods since 1998.
“By the end of the project hybrid hemp cultivars will be produced commercially delivering value to all members of the value chain including commercial producers, processors and consumers,” says Protein Industries Canada.
Another aim of the project is expanding ingredient and food usages. There’s a lot to like about hemp seed – it’s been called a superfood, but unlike some others given the label it’s probably more deserving of the reputation given its nutritional profile and lighter environmental impact.
While consumers have indicated ongoing interest in plant-based protein, consumption has been limited by various challenges including cost and parity in terms of texture and taste with conventional products.
“Utilization of hemp protein as a food ingredient can address nutrition and taste/texture challenges and development of hemp hybrids with significant yield advantage makes hemp a cost competitive option which will drive demand for production,” said Scott Horner, President of Verve Seed Solutions.
