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Hemp industry growing strong roots |
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Written by Justin Baker
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Thursday, 30 March 2006 |
This year California and Vermont could become the eighth and ninth
states to pass agricultural hemp farming legislation. Currently seven
states (Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota and
West Virginia) have passed pro-hemp farming laws.
The California State Grange has sent out a
legislative action alert for AB 1147, the California Industrial Hemp
Farming Act. The state Assembly passed it on Jan. 25 and the bill now
goes to the Senate. Vermont legislators will consider H 455 this year
to define hemp and allow licensed farmers to grow the crop. More
information about hemp legislation and the crop's many uses can be
found at www.VoteHemp.com.
Hemp Market Statistics 1995 to 2005
The Hemp Industries Association is a trade group of
more than 250 hemp companies, including wholesalers: manufacturers and
distributors; retailers: stores, mail order, internet, mobile;
consultants; researchers, authors, publishers; farmers, processors; and
other services.
Sales of hemp foods in 2004/2005 grew by 50 percent
over the previous 12-month period. US retail sales of hemp products are
estimated to now be $250 to $300 million per year. More than 2.5
million cars on US roads contain hemp composites. Hemp cultivation in
Canada exceeds 24,000 acres per year, while European farmers now grow
more than 40,000 acres.
“In 1995 we conducted a casual market analysis of 19
of our companies,” said HIA Executive Director Johanna Schultz, “which
showed a growth from $26,000 to $7.5 million in sales from 1990 to
1995. Estimated hemp sales totaled $150 million for 1999. Overall sales
in the industry hit the $180 million mark in 2001. Due to the DEA
attempt to ban hemp foods and body care, sales dropped in that sector
for a few years.”
The HIA won its case against the DEA in March 2003,
and by 2004, SPINS reported sales of hemp foods and body care products
back up to the level they had achieved in 2000, now including the
tanning product sector. The whole hemp market was estimated to be $250
million.
Composites in autos, recreational vehicles, and
airplanes contributed about $10 million to this, and hemp paper reached
the music industry, adding $4 million. Foods are now up to $12 million,
according to a recent survey done by Leson Consulting and presented at
the November 2005 HIA Convention. A Fiber Survey is underway to
determine the latest market analysis. Paper alone is projected to
achieve a sales increase of more than 100 percent for 2006.
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Justin Baker |
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 24 September 2006 )
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Volume 2 
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