
September 14, 2011
Governor Jerry Brown Sent via Fax: 916-558-3160
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 676 (Leno) California Industrial Hemp Farming Act – Please Sign
Dear Governor Brown,
I am writing to ask you to sign SB 676 (Leno), which would permit California farmers to grow industrial hemp to produce hemp seed, oil and fiber for sale to manufacturers. All hemp products are legally for sale in the United States and are currently imported from Canada and other nations. Current law prohibiting California farmers from producing these legal products hurts our economy and simply does not make sense
Nutiva is the world’s leading organic food brand, with a 44% annual growth rate since 2005. Inc. Magazine has named Nutiva as one of America’s fastest growing brands for the last three consecutive years (2009 – 2011).
Because of our growth rate, Nutiva has hired 25 workers in the past year at our new 18,500 SQ FT facility in Oxnard, California.
We will process three million pounds of organic hempseeds in factories in Canada in 2011. We would prefer to do this in California and the U.S. This would save us in shipping costs, and further enable us to offer more local jobs. Hemp fiber is among the strongest, natural fibers in the world and it can be used to replace wood pulp, as well as synthetic fibers in numerous applications. Hempseed is nutritionally rich in protein and healthy Omega-3 fats.
The demand for hemp products has been growing rapidly in recent years and California farmers would benefit from this growth. The benefits for farmers are not only financial, the bill is also practical. Industrial hemp is an excellent rotational crop because it naturally reduces nematode populations, while its dense growth smothers out weeds. Therefore, hemp requires less water and agricultural chemicals than all other crops and has deep roots that leave the soil in excellent condition for the next crop.
The environmental benefits of hemp as a replacement for wood pulp and a reduction of pesticide use will help create a cleaner and healthier California. California law should be changed to permit the cultivation of industrial hemp as an agricultural crop. SB 676 would enable California farmers and processors to take advantage of industrial hemp and we strongly urge you to sign the bill into law.
Sincerely,
John W. Roulac
CEO and Founder
Nutiva

You too can make a difference in the fight for Hemp Legalization at the Vote Hemp website. Take action NOW and let our voices heard!