Ontario Grain Farmer October 2021

encourages new hemp farmers in Ontario to focus on grain production first and investigate how to maximize fibre payment as a secondary venture. “The price for grain is great this year,” he says. “Last year, conventional cleaned seed paid $1,200/tonne and this year it’s $1,500. Organic has risen from $3,300/tonne to $3,500.” FIRST STEPS Those who want to grow hemp in 2022 must go to the Health Canada website and submit an application for a growing license (Health Canada has also published an Industrial Hemp Licensing Application Guide). There is no cost to apply, says Haney, and he advises getting it done by December. Even if you don’t grow hemp in 2022, the initial license will apply for three years. Then, says Haney, spend time deciding if you want to be primarily a grain producer or if you would like to also harvest and market fibre, or if the CBD market is for you. Then, seek out a firm to get a contract in place before you buy certified seed. Many buyers have very specific requirements and will either recommend or sell their desired cultivars. Buyers also usually provide agronomy support for seeding, growing, harvesting, and storage. As Stone has travelled the hemp road, he has seen the markets shift over time. There was a spike in interest for CBD extraction about three years ago, and interest in fibre is spiking now. In all, he believes that with all its advantages, hemp’s future is bright in Canada. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 45 OCTOBER 2021 Demand for the grain keeps growing, especially for organic. Discover the benefits at myprograinbenefits.ca « The soybeans produced and exported by Prograin help feed 26 million people around the globe. » Prograin, the soy expert. Pub est 2022.indd 10 2021-08-20 13:51