Pubdate: Wed, 20 Feb 2002
Source: Duncan News Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Duncan News Leader
Contact:  http://www.duncannewsleader.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1314
Author: Peter Rusland

CASH, LAND STILL HINDER HEMP PLANT

Investment cash and serviced land are still needed before a $2-million hemp 
seed operation sprouts outside Lake Cowichan.

Brian Johnson, president of TransGlobal Hemp Products Corporation, says 
he's still $1.2-million short of funding a hemp seed pressing and 
de-hulling mill on property currently owned by businessman Dave Johel.

Johel is waiting for regional board rulings about Lake Cowichan council's 
plan to annex industrial land from neighbouring Youbou before investing in 
water, sewer, and electrical services, plus roads, to a site eyed by Johnson.

Johnson says TransGlobal now intends to buy five acres from Johel instead 
of renting for 99 years as originally stated.

"Everything's contingent on servicing and that's being provided by the 
landlord (Johel)," Johnson said Friday.

While TransGlobal has been offered other sites around the lake, and 
elsewhere in the Valley, "I'd rather work with the largest player which is 
Johel Brothers.

"They're good people."

Meanwhile, Johnson's raised about $800,000 in venture capital from an 
offering in his Island Hemp Investment (VCC) Inc.

He aims to build an eco-village on the five acres with a focus on his 
hempseed processing operation.

A small hemp seed brewery, theatre and other buildings are also planned. 
The lake operation is the first of nine hemp mills TransGlobal envisions on 
the Island.

Hemp building materials would be used to build the structures.

The hearty fibrous plant would be grown locally or imported from China and 
the Prairies.

TransGlobal's hemp seed press mill can process seed for many products 
including food, clothing, construction materials and more.

The company's other operations could include a $15-million fibre-separation 
and textile mill in North Cowichan, plus a $5-million aquaculture fish 
feed/bait mill in Cowichan Bay.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart