Posted on 04/06/2010, 2:13 pm, by mySteinbach

The Province of Manitoba is providing $500,000 to Plains Industrial Hemp Processing in support of a new, innovative project designed to process hemp, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers announced.

“The Province of Manitoba is committed to funding innovative agricultural initiatives and projects,” said Struthers. “This hemp processing project is a first of its kind in Canada and we are proud that it will be located here in Manitoba.”

Plains Industrial Hemp Processing currently manufactures several hemp-based products such as hemp pellets, animal bedding and insulation.

“Once Plains Industrial Hemp Processing builds its new hemp fibre processing plant, it will have the capacity to process up to 18,000 metric tonnes of hemp per year,” said Struthers. “Not only will this create jobs for local residents but it will give young people a reason to stay in our rural communities and provide opportunities for farmers to diversify.”

The provincial funding of $500,000 is provided through the Rural Economic Development Initiative.