March 7, 2022
Calgary, Alberta
Plant breeders, seed companies, and members of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) are invited to nominate industrial hemp cultivars for inclusion in CHTA's 2022 National Hemp Variety Field Trials program. Cultivars listed on Health Canada’s List of Approved Cultivars (LOAC) and/or legal research cultivars are eligible for nomination to the program.
“In-field research provides information for hemp growers to compare hemp varieties,” says Ted Haney – President and CEO for the Calgary based Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA). “With the assistance of Diverse Field Crop Cluster (DFCC) funding, the CHTA administers this program on behalf of the Canadian hemp industry.”
“The 2022 National Hemp Variety Field Trials program will provide a neutral forum for evaluating hemp varieties at up to 14 sites across Canada. This annual testing program provides data for comparison of hemp genetics in farm-like conditions, including seed and fibre production plus select cannabinoid information on nominated cultivars. Plant breeders and seed companies also have access to an option to collect data to support the Form 300 application for variety eligibility registration with the Canadian Seed Growers' Association. This data can also be used in application for Health Canada’s LOAC review. With the program’s consistent protocols and oversight on the analysis, this provides the ability to compare several agronomic traits to assist with planting decisions,” reports Haney.
“The 2021 National Variety Field Trials Report includes data on 9 hemp varieties tested in 11 locations. This year we are looking to add more varieties at 12 to 14 outdoor locations and a potential indoor trial at one site. Participating seed companies can select the sites they want and appreciate that qualified researchers review all data for relevancy prior to inclusion in the final report. Sites from last year will be participating, plus potentially 2 more sites,” explains Haney.
The National Hemp Variety Field Trials program participation fees are: $700/LOAC cultivar/site and $1,000/Research cultivar/site. Payment is required at the time of final cultivar selection and prior to seed distribution. For a potential indoor feminized hemp variety trial, cost will be based on defined horticulture-style protocols.
Expressions of interest for the National Hemp Variety Field Trials Program and completed Cultivar Registration Forms should be forwarded no later than April 1, 2022 to:
James Frey
Principal Investigator
National Hemp Variety Field Trials Program
Email: James.Frey@gov.mb.ca
The CHTA is a national organization that champions a diverse and robust Canadian hemp industry which benefits all stakeholders along the value chain. Established in 2003, the Alliance membership includes farmers, processors, equipment suppliers, consumer product suppliers, consultants, researchers, students, industry associations, and government. The CHTA’s services and programs include: stakeholder communication and consultation; domestic and international market development; research coordination; standards development; and, policy and regulatory advocacy.
"Continual genetic progress and identifying differences across varieties is important to Canada’s hemp industry. Quantifying comparable differences within a science-based program provides valuable information for seed companies and farmers,” concludes Haney.
For more information, contact:
Danielle Burges
Marketing and Communications
403-219-6266
Email: marketing@hemptrade.ca