Investment worth more than $300,000
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together by investing in the province’s successful hemp industry.
Hemp Oil Canada Inc. (HOCI) will receive the investment of about $390,000 and use it to install new sorters and packaging systems at a new processing complex in Ste. Agathe. The new equipment will help modernize operations, improve food safety and help HOCI stay competitive in the international hemp seed industry.
"Funding from Growing Forward 2 will allow us to take the next leap forward in providing the highest quality hemp food products in the marketplace,” said Shaun Crew, president and CEO of HOCI in a release. “We are excited to continuously improve upon our manufacturing processes by adopting these technologies that will lead to industry leading quality assurance and efficiencies in hemp food manufacturing”
Stats from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada show that in 2014, Canada exported more than $50 million worth of hemp products.
"Manitoba’s hemp industry continues to expand, creating new opportunities for farmers, processors and many other stakeholders,” said Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn in a statement. “Hemp is a healthy and nutritious choice, and this is driving consumer demand here at home and around the world. We are pleased to invest in this new equipment with HOCI, as it will increase efficiency and support their ongoing commitment to food safety."
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