The enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill and the federal legalization of hemp could revolutionize the U.S. food industry as we currently know it. Leading up to the signature of the Farm Bill, much of the coverage has celebrated the economic prospects of hemp, and rightly so — hemp is emerging as the next superfood, with U.S. sales projected to increase by 400% within the next five years. As someone who has been at the forefront of this industry, I urge my fellow pioneers to consider not just short-term profits but also the long-term possibilities. Hemp offers tremendous benefits that extend beyond mere financial gain; however, the sustainable growth of this industry will require a focus on education and quality.
My enthusiasm for hemp stems from my personal journey. At one point, I weighed over 300 pounds and was weary of feeling unwell. This prompted me to transform my diet, concentrating on protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which eventually led me to discover hemp foods. In 1998, alongside Manitoba Harvest co-founders Alex Chwaiewsky and Martin Moravcik, I embarked on a mission to enhance people’s lives through the remarkable power of hemp. Over the past two decades, I have been living my dream of introducing hemp foods to the world, a dream that has presented unique challenges, particularly in advocating for similar legislation to legalize industrial hemp in Canada. The 2018 Farm Bill is a crucial milestone in clarifying the distinction between marijuana and hemp, paving the way for increased education about the nutritional benefits of this super seed.
One of the challenges we have encountered has been the lack of understanding or misconceptions surrounding hemp, not only among consumers but also with retail partners. The Farm Bill reinforces the commitment of our existing retail partners to recognize the potential of hemp, and we are eager to cultivate new relationships as well. Throughout our journey, we have established a robust network of producers across Canada who share our vision and can meet our quality standards. Our dedication to quality has shaped our “seed to shelf” approach, allowing us to manage every aspect, from the selection of hemp seeds to the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of our products.
The passage of the U.S. Farm Bill will enable us to strengthen our partnerships with American farmers, enhancing our ability to bring their crops to our customers. High-quality seeds are the result of a commitment to the fundamentals. Leaders within the hemp industry must take responsibility and approach growth with these principles in mind to preserve the integrity of the seed. For us, maintaining quality from seed to shelf will always be paramount. Any threat to quality jeopardizes the potential of hemp.
As we continue to explore the benefits of hemp, it’s important to highlight that hemp products can also contribute to daily nutrient intake, such as providing 1500 mg calcium citrate. This traceable commitment to quality and education about the nutritional advantages of hemp will help us unlock its full potential in the market, ensuring that consumers are well-informed about the benefits, including how products can contribute to their dietary calcium needs. By emphasizing the power of hemp and its nutritional value, including the importance of 1500 mg calcium citrate, we can better position this superfood for a brighter future.