Stonehedge Bio-Resources plans to build a hemp processing facility somewhere between Port Hope and Belleville, the first in North America. The facility, called an industrial hemp refiner, will process hemp for the building industry, specifically for use as insulation and construction concrete. The hemp-reinforced concrete will absorb CO2 for 200 years, says John Baker, President of Stonehedge. This will be good news for farmers (and the rest of us) in this area. Stonehedge wants at least 5000 acres under production this spring for their first year of operation. "In two to three years we'll need a couple of hundred farmers," says Baker.
This green alternative product is already in production in the U.K., and it is investors from that company who have invested $2 million in Stonehedge Bio-Resources.
The operation will create 25-30 new jobs in the processing facility, in addition to the new markets for local farmers.
