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As a new crop, hemp markets are under constant development. It is reasonable to assume that any new crop can take 15-50 years for market to develop.

Currently, the principal hemp markets are for hemp seed. Hemp seed attracts commercial interest because of high protein and excellent Essential Fatty Acid profile. Most Hemp seed whether in seed, oil, flour/powder or and in finished foods goes into the health food and nutraceutical sectors. There is also a growing market in cosmetics and bodycare products for hemp oil.

Hemp is following the international growth trend for Certified Organic products.

There is a low paying birdseed market but there is also marked competition from overseas sources and alternatives to hemp seed. The potential for domestic pet/vet markets is very promising; as well, the potential for feed cattle, poultry, and fish is significant. Hemp is not yet approved as a commercial feed under domestic feed regulations.

Currently, much of the hemp market is in the USA. As the US does not permit hemp farming, there is a large captive market for Canadian production south of the border. Coupled with strong future in the US, there is a growing market at home in Canada. Awareness about hemp is rising, because hemp is used in many quality products and helps contribute to the health of people, farms and communities. Some companies active in the sector have reported a 20-40% growth of businesses over the past few years. Retail sales of all Canadian- derived hemp seed products are now estimated to be as high as $20- $40 million USD annually.

So where are the Hemp (Seed) Markets? Health foods, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals; Ingredients; Natural Bodycare and Cosmetics, Birdseed and Pet/Vet markets.