---<br /> <br /> GROWING DEMAND for hemp-based products has prompted the Springdale Group to <br /> call for more growers to come forward this spring.<br /> <br /> Despite it being an old plant, hemp has a real future and real potential, <br /> said the firm's chairman, Clifford Spencer.<br /> <br /> Because of the plant's similarities to the narcotic drug, Cannabis <br /> (although it cannot be used for that purpose), the United States' Drug <br /> Enforcement Agency bans American farmers from growing it, giving UK growers <br /> further opportunities, he said.<br /> <br /> The company said it is looking for at least 10,000ha of hemp to be grown <br /> this year and is offering fixed price contracts of ukp350/tonne for seed <br /> and upwards of ukp70/t for straw.<br /> <br /> "We have excellent markets for the seed and the plant," added Mr Spencer. <br /> Seeds are crushed for food and neutraceutical uses, while the fibre is used <br /> for textiles or fibre-glass and the husks for animal feed, he said.<br /> <br /> With a typical output of ukp630/ha and growing costs around ukp176/ha - the <br /> gross margin of ukp464/ha (excluding subsidy) compares favourably to other <br /> crops, he added.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Aurora Indica |  B52 |  Big Bud |  California Orange Bud |  Citral |  Four Way |  Haze |  Hindu Kush |  Indoor Mix |  Jock Horror |  K2 |  Maroc x Afghan |  Northern Light x Big Bud |  Northern Light x Haze |  Northern Light x Shiva |  Shiva |  Skunk #1 |  Skunk Red Hair |  Skunk Special |  Papaya |  White Rhino |  Haze 19 x Skunk |  Afghan |  Master Kush |  Northern Light |  Super Skunk |  Top 44 |  Durban Poison |  Early Bud |  Early Girl |  Early Misty |  Early Special |  Hawaii x Maui Waui |  Hawaii x Skunk #1 |  Hollands Hope |  KC 33 x Master Kush |  Mixed Sativa |  New Purple Power |  Swazi |  Swiss Miss |  Northern Bright |  Snow White (fem.) |  Supergirl |  Venus |  Wonder Woman |  Kaya |  PPP (fem.) |  Medusa |  Blue Mystic |  Chrystal |  Ice |  Misty |  PPP |  White Widow |  Nirvana Special |  White Rhino |  Snow White |  AK-48 |  Bubblelicious |  Silver Pearl |  Haze |  Jock Horror |  Northern Light x Haze |  White Rhino |  Haze 19 x Skunk |