Pubdate: Tue, 20 Sep 2005
Source: Brandon Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005, Brandon Sun
Contact:  http://www.brandonsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2437
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?330 (Hemp - Outside U.S.)

FIBRE-PROCESSING PLANT WILL PUT DAUPHIN

DAUPHIN (FPNS) - With 80 per cent of the continent's narcotic-free hemp 
grown here, and one of the world's largest hemp fibre plants slated for 
construction next year, Dauphin is laying claim as Canada's hemp capital.

"We hope to lead the way," says Don Dewar, a Dauphin-area grower and 
president of Parkland Bio Fibre Ltd., a co-op of 50 growers who are behind 
the processing plant.

Hemp production was banned in Canada in 1938 because hemp and marijuana 
look exactly the same. Narcotic-free hemp was legalized again in 1998.

The drive up Highway 10 into Dauphin gives a jolt to the nasal cavities. If 
you fail to notice the fields of towering, two-metre high hemp swaying like 
trees beside the road, you won't miss the pungent, incense-like smell.

The proposed processing plant will have an immediate market selling hemp 
for paper and cardboard recycling.

Recycled cardboard requires 18 per cent new fibre, and hemp makes stronger 
product and increases the times it can be recycled.

The facility will also produce fibre mats, which hold more moisture than 
existing mats, for hanging baskets for horticulture.

The plant will be able to process 36,000 tonnes of fibre per year, and will 
require 20 full-time staff.

The facility is scheduled to open in about one year.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom