Hemp farmers in Canada push for levy to help research, publicize the plant

(This is an abridged version of a story that appears at Hemp Industry Daily.)

Some Canadian hemp farmers are proposing a 0.5% tax on product sales that would help fund research and promotion of their goods.

The plan – similar to commodity checkoff programs that are common in the U.S. – would include the creation of an agency to research better ways to grow hemp and to publicize its health benefits.

The Farm Products Council of Canada plans to consider the proposal at a hearing in January. Written opinions are due Nov. 24.

If the Council likes the idea, it could recommend the hemp checkoff to Canada’s Minister of Agriculture. A federal Cabinet would make the final decision.

The ad hoc pro-tax group has the support of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance. But a fear the levy could decrease profits doesn’t sit well with some other Canadian hemp farmers.

(Click here to read more about the debate over this unique proposal.)