CANADIAN HEMP FARMERS ALLIANCE

Nov 12, 2023

TO:
Honourable MARK HOLLAND Minister of Health Canada - Honourable FRANCIS DROUIN Deputy Minister of Health Canada

Health Canada
Address Locator 1801B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

TO:
Honourable LAWRENCE MACAULAY Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
1341 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5

Subject: Petition for the Transfer of Industrial Hemp Oversight and the Establishment from Health Canada to Agriculture and Agri-Food department 

Dear
Honourable MARK HOLLAND,
Honourable FRANCIS DROUIN 
Honourable LAWRENCE MACAULAY

I am writing to you on behalf of the Canadian Hemp Farmers Alliance, a dynamic and dedicated association representing the interests of hemp farmers across the nation. As our industry continues to grow and evolve, we believe it is time to address certain regulatory aspects that are hindering the full potential of industrial hemp in Canada.

Our primary concern is the regulatory oversight currently held by Health Canada, a department largely associated with controlled substances, including pharmaceuticals.
Industrial hemp male seeded crops, however, stands apart as a crop with applications centered on hemp seed and fibre, devoid of any medical or recreational side effects. 

We propose the transfer of regulatory responsibility from Health Canada to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, aligning with the agricultural nature of industrial hemp and streamlining its regulatory framework.

In conjunction with this request, we are proud to introduce the Canadian Hemp Farmers Alliance as the designated crown agency for hemp in Canada. This alliance aims to act as a central hub, promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation within the hemp farming community. By fostering unity and leveraging the collective expertise of hemp farmers, we envision the Alliance playing a pivotal role in building a strong and stable hemp economy in Canada.

Our petition emphasizes Five key areas:

Health Canada to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada oversight:
Transferring hemp oversight to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is essential for fostering the growth of the hemp sector. Unlike Health Canada's focus on controlled substances, hemp is an agricultural crop with no medical or recreational side effects. Placing hemp under agricultural laws ensures streamlined regulations, encouraging farmer participation and economic growth. This shift allows hemp to be treated like any other crop, eliminating unnecessary complexities and supporting a robust and sustainable hemp industry in Canada.

Elimination of Criminal Background Checks: We advocate for the removal of the mandatory criminal background check requirement for individuals involved in industrial hemp cultivation. Industrial hemp, unlike other crops, lacks the psychoactive elements found in pharmaceuticals, making such checks unnecessary and burdensome.

Waiver of License Fee: Our petition urges the elimination of license fees associated with industrial hemp cultivation and sales. This measure is essential in reducing financial barriers for farmers, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging the expansion of the industrial hemp industry.

Equal Sales Tax Treatment: We propose maintaining the sales tax for industrial hemp at the same rate as other crops in Canada. A consistent approach to taxation ensures fairness and competitive parity, recognizing industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity.

License-Free Cultivation: We advocate for allowing farmers to cultivate industrial hemp without the need for a specific license, mirroring the practices observed in other agricultural sectors. This streamlined approach will reduce administrative complexities and promote efficiency within the industry.

The Canadian Hemp Farmers Alliance is committed to working collaboratively with government bodies to ensure that industrial hemp is regulated in a manner that reflects its true nature as an agricultural crop.
We believe that these proposed amendments will contribute to the growth, sustainability, and prosperity of the industrial hemp sector in Canada.

We would be honored to engage in further discussions to elaborate on our proposals and address any concerns that may arise.
Your support for these amendments is crucial to fostering a thriving hemp economy in Canada.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Dan Carter, 
CEO & Founder
Canadian Hemp Farmers Alliance 

ceo.hemp@hotmail.com


https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancarterhemp/
https://www.canadianhempfarmersalliance.com