Pubdate: Sun, 15 Jul 2001
Source: State Journal-Register (IL)
Copyright: 2001 The State Journal-Register
Contact:  http://www.sj-r.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425
Author: Jenni Bast
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n227/a09.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)

WHY EVEN CONSIDER GROWING INDUSTRIAL HEMP?

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to Boyd Holmes' letter about the possible 
production of industrial hemp in Illinois.  According to the research in 
Canada, industrial hemp does not like to have a wet seedbed.  In the low 
areas of the fields, the hemp seeds planted did not germinate. On the other 
end, hemp does not like dryness.  Drought caused poor growth in the 
seeds.  Constant soil conditions are very difficult to maintain, especially 
here in Illinois with the heavy flooding and drought we often face.

Most importantly, selling hemp is posing a problem for the farmers in 
Canada.  Farmers have been growing hemp for three years and they are 
already worried about an overabundance.  The Gen-X Company in Canada 
reported that prices for hemp have fallen by almost 25 percent.  The 
farmers in Canada have such a large surplus that cultivating this year may 
not be necessary.

Germany is also experiencing loss in profit.  At one point, German hemp 
farmers were making $520 per acre, though a year later that was 
halved.  Several other crops exist as alternatives for the farmers such as 
kenaf and cuphea.  So, the question is not whether or not grow hemp, it is 
why even consider it?

Jenni Bast

Springfield
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MAP posted-by: GD