MAYOR MEETS HEMP RESEARCHERS

The future is bright for those getting in on the ground level with
Industrial hemp products.

Mayor Donna Barnett attended a fibre conference in Calgary Feb. 16-17
and learned there was a world of opportunity for those in the
industrial hemp business.

"It was very, very interesting," she said. "It was information
sharing on what kind of research is being done out there, and what
kind of product is being made."

Representatives from Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and
B.C. were at the meeting, she said. The rest of those in attendance
were researchers or people in the private sector who were keen on
sussing out opportunities.

Barnett concluded that 100 Mile got in on something that "will only
get bigger."

"I think we are very fortunate that we got into it at this time and
at the ground level," she said.

Barnett had the opportunity to speak to a group that is building
houses in developing nations.

"It's (the group) funded through a charity, and they are looking very
seriously at building with other types of fibre, basically industrial
hemp," Barnett said. "The cost of oil and gas keeps going up and if
you are trying to provide homes for Third World companies and the
costs keep going up, it gets harder and harder."

Surging costs are why there is a great deal of research being done on
less costly materials, like the fibre board that can be made from hemp.

Barnett noted that she learned about the nutritive value of hemp as well.

"It's just amazing," she said. "It's just absolutely very fascinating
for me, who this is something very new for."