b'CANNABIS CHRONICLESWhy Protein is the Next Frontierin Hemp BreedingHemp breeding is more than just fiber and CBDbreeding for protein could be the next lucrative endeavor.Marc ZienkiewiczHEMP IS VERY NUTRITIOUS.For example, there are twoHis team is working with Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadas fatty acids that are essential for human healthlinoleic acidFresh Hemp Foods to create a protein-rich food formulation (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3)and hempbased on hemp. But the major breeding challenge, he says, is seed oil is packed with them. lack of understanding of underlaying genetics for the traits of In other words, hemp packs a great nutritional punch, saysinterest (protein content and starch composition).Ben Raymond, vice-president of research and development forWe need a quick, accurate and preferably non-destructive Victory Hemp Foods based in Kentucky. analytical method. We are experimenting with different seg-That, of course, means we as researchers have a lot ofregating populations both indoor and in field to better under-questions. What can we do to improve nutrition? What can westand the genetics and working with [Saskatchewan-based] do to improve flavor? Things that you would do with soybeanNRGene to understand it at the DNA level and potentially or canola or any other ag commodity, we can do with hemp todevelop DNA markers for the traits, Gjuric says.make it bigger, faster, cheaper and more nutritious. Its too early to say if breeding for protein content would But its the plants protein potential that is one of the latestcome with any penalty for yield, he adds.hemp frontiers researchers are looking to conquer. Rale GjuricWe are finding significant genetic variation in the material and his team at Farmers Business Network in Manitoba arebefore selection. It may be an indication of no penalty for yield, working to increase the protein content and change the starchbut we need solid data.composition in hemp. The first selections for high protein will be grown for obser-The idea is to develop a product for use in high moisture meatvation this coming season.analogue (HMMA), used in plant-based meat products like theEfforts to bolster hemp protein quality are music to Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat Burger. Raymonds ears.Hemp already has great nutritional value in these plant- That would be something that I would desire, because it based foods, but it also has the ability to be the texturizing agentwould provide me with something that I could sell as a higher in the final product. Lack of texture is generally a problem withvalue ingredient versus a traditional animal protein or even as a plant-based meat analogues, Gjuric notes. higher quality canola or pea protein, he says.SW26/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2022'