Stevia Corp. Enters Hemp Industry as the United States Farm Bill Changes the U.S. Legislative Position on Hemp
Company Identifies New Growth Markets that Leverage its Expertise in Stevia and it Applauds New Farm Bill Which Legalizes Hemp Cultivation by Universities and State Agricultural Departments for Academic and Agricultural Research
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – (MARKETWIRE – February 20, 2014) – Stevia Corp. (OTCQB: STEV) (“Stevia Corp” or the “Company”), a farm management company focused on the economic development of products that support healthy lifestyle, is pleased to offer insights regarding key aspects of planned expansions.
In conjunction with Stevia Corp’s commitment to the development of stevia, the Company will now begin similar endeavors in the Hemp Industry. Hemp, much like stevia, naturally contains many properties that support a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Stevia Corp plans to participate in the successful growth of the hemp industry and particularly hemp seeds, oils and related products which are growing in popularity.
George Blankenbaker, Stevia Corp President, comments, “As the public becomes more aware of hemp seeds and their health properties, there is increasing demand for hemp products. We intend to pursue products that contain both stevia and hemp which will appeal to the health conscious consumers.”
Hemp products have been present in the U.S. market for many years and are now growing in popularity as there is an increasing campaign to educate the public on the many benefits of hemp. The seeds are low in carbohydrates and contain approximately 44% oil by weight of which about 80% is a perfect balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Protein makes up 33% of the seed and is considered to be a more ‘complete protein’ when compared to meat, milk, eggs and soy and contains all 21 known amino acids including all 9 essential amino acids.
Mr. Blankenbaker adds, “The seeds are commonly sold in Health food stores and the oil and protein are considered ‘super foods’ and I have long been a consumer of hemp seeds.”
Over 70% of the world hemp production is in Asia where the Company’s farm management operations are based. In addition to the seeds and oil, hemp is valued for its fiber which is used in dozens of industrial products. In addition, hemp is derived from cultivars of the Cannabis plant and although it has been bred to produce low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical compound associated with marijuana, hemp produces several of the other common cannabinoids that are being studied for their medicinal values.
Mr. Blankenbaker concludes, “Longer term we intend to leverage our farming and extraction technologies we developed for stevia and position the Company to be the major hemp player in the US.”
Further details of the Company’s business, finances, appointments and agreements can be found as part of the Company’s continuous public disclosure as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) EDGAR database. For more information visit: www.steviacorp.us.
About Stevia Corp. (OTCQB: STEV)
Stevia Corp. is a farm management company focused on best practice agronomic competency in order to deliver high value crops through proprietary plant breeding, excellent agricultural methodologies and innovative post-harvest techniques. For more information visit: www.steviacorp.us.
About the Stevia Industry Sector
Within two years of the USA market opening, Nielsen-based retail consumption data indicated almost $1 billion of retail sales for the sector. In 2010, stevia products were launched across thirty-five countries and in 38 categories. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that stevia could replace 20-30% of all dietary sweeteners. For more information visit: www.steviacorp.us.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, participation in the hemp industry, specifically hemp seeds, oils and related products, pursuing products that contain both stevia and hemp, and business strategy and growth plans. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
