Pubdate: Tue, 9 Nov 1999 Source: Vermilion Standard (CN AB) Copyright: 1999 Vermilion Standard Contact: 4917-50 Ave. Vermilion, Alberta T9X 1A6 Fax: (780) 853-5203 Author: Bob Mellin JIM STORCH BRINGING HIS HEMP SNACKS TO TOWN In the mood for chocolate, roasted seeds or brittle? If you are there is a new treat about to hit Vermilion just for you. Jim Storch, first time hemp grower, has developed his own line of hemp snacks. "This is a fun adventure for me. I wasn't really sure how people would react to the hemp snacks, but they seem to like them. The first batch went really quick and that was just to people I knew. I think that they will sell really well," said Storch. Storch is hoping that he will have his hemp products in a local store in time for Christmas. "We are still talking to a few businesses around town about them carrying them. I'm sure that they will be out for sale somewhere in Vermilion by Christmas time. We are also making up gift baskets for sale. It is a totally unique gift idea to give hemp treats," said Storch. A number of dates have been confirmed where Storch will be selling the items. On Nov. 13 and Dec. 12 he will be at Lakeland Mall and on Dec. 4 at the Shopperama in Mannville. "I want to be able to get the product out for people. There are three different kinds of roasted seeds, white and dark chocolate and hemp brittle. It is truly a unique taste experience," he said. Following the popularity of this year's crop, Storch is planning to continue growing hemp next year. "It is no longer a question of if, now it is how much. It is a risky venture to take, but it is one that we are enjoying. I am trying to sell most of the seed bulk in Ontario or Vancouver. But the snacks are becoming more and more popular," he said. There is still a number of worries for Storch in his new business venture. "First we need to find places to sell the product. When that is done I hope they will sell well. From there we just don't want to get too big too fast," he said. There are bonuses to the hemp snack over traditional snacks. "I don't know the exact numbers, but hemp is very healthy for you. The taste is in between a sesame seed and a pumpkin seed. It has a truly unique taste," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake