OVERVIEW
Natural Hemphasis is acting as project co-ordinator for the establishment and development of the Ontario Hemp Alliance (see press release below). Originally envisioned as the Hemp Industry Alliance of South Western Ontario, the first recommendation of Natural Hemphasis was to enlarge the focus of this alliance to cover all of Ontario, and to include mainstream industries interested in incorporating hemp into their products.
Unlike other industry organizations in North America which are still largely focused on bring about the legalization of hemp south of the boarder, the OHA's specific mandate is facilitate the building of a viable hemp industry here in Ontario. To achieve this end, the OHA will be involved in raising consumer awareness, facilitating the flow of information within the industry and lobbying on behalf of the Ontario Hemp Industry.
We anticipate the following stages in the development of this industry alliance, with the project culminating in April 2000 with an incorporated, membership driven provincial hemp association:
STAGE I:
- research and compile a database of potential members
- create an image for the Ontario Hemp Alliance
- develop introductory literature
- first stage of website development
STAGE II:
- contact potential members from database
- solicit feedback
- develop structure and identity (vision/mission, organizational design, constitution)
STAGE III:
- develop business plan
- identify short term funding partners
- begin to draft compnents for Phase 2 of project
STAGE IV:
- develop funding proposal for Phase 2
- apply for funding
- develop medium and long term marketing strategy
- formalize OHA into a legal entity
- final development of website and marketing materials
STAGE V:
- report on existing international hemp studies
- summarize marketable product opportunities for hemp production
- finalize database of actual and potential members
November 1, 1999
What can be done to develop the hemp industry and markets for Ontario growers, processors, producers and
retailers? That's what the newly formed Ontario Hemp Alliance intends to
assess with the help of a Project Development Coordinator. The Ontario
Hemp Alliance (OHA) is pleased to announce the hiring of David Marcus of
Natural Hemphasis on a 6-month contract funded by Human Resources
Development Canada in partnership with Enterprise Brant, a Community
Futures Development Corporation.
The Alliance had it's beginnings when a small group of growers,
manufacturers, and researchers met informally at the Snowball Creek Wool
Mill in St. George to test locally grown hemp fiber in the mill. The
results were so exciting that Doug Albin of Brant Agribusiness continued to
gather momentum inviting interested parties to discuss and explore the
multitude of possibilities for the Hemp industry in Ontario. The group
made a presentation to 14 Community Futures Development Corporations at a
Conference in Brantford in February '99. It was determined that there was
a need for a common thread to communicate and share information with all
partners and industry sectors in this burgeoning industry.
With the assistance of HRDC funding to hire a Project Development
Coordinator. Over the next six months the OHA will "establish a formal
entity and focus efforts for research and development of a viable,
vertically integrated Hemp Industry in Ontario" says Chris Farrell of
Enterprise Brant. "We were lucky to find David Marcus who has an MBA and
first hand experience and knowledge of in the hemp industry as it exists in
today." The Alliance will be seeking membership and information from
farmers, growers, farm implement developers, processors, industry and
research experts in textile, paper, oil, food, manufacturing, retail and
building product sectors". We will also be examining market opportunities
for hemp production and the existing international markets order to assist
in developing the Hemp Industry of Ontario.
For more information on membership please contact David Marcus at Natural
Hemphasis (416) 535-3497 or Chris Farrell at Enterprise Brant (519)
752-4636 or Email: dave@hemphasis.com
