Native American tribe opens hemp fibre processing plant

The Lower Sioux Indian Community in Minnesota has officially opened a hemp fibre processing facility, aiming to address both housing shortages and foster economic development within the reservation.

The factory, located in Morton, Minnesota, adjacent to the Lower Sioux reservation, is part of a larger vision to create sustainable, affordable housing using locally grown hemp fibre processed into building materials.

Addressing housing needs with hemp

Tribal leaders noted that the hemp fibre produced will be used primarily for constructing homes on the reservation, where there is a need for roughly 100 additional dwellings. Earl Pendleton, a former tribal council member, indicated that the project originated from the community's urgent need for sustainable housing but expanded with the hope of driving economic growth and forming partnerships with external farmers and businesses.

The tribe plans to use the hemp fibre to build energy-efficient homes using hempcrete, an innovative construction material made from hemp hurds mixed with a lime-based binder. This approach is part of a circular economy model where local farmers contribute to the production, ensuring the factory's continued operation while benefiting the entire region.

Production and sourcing challenges

Despite the promising prospects, the facility faces some logistical hurdles. The factory is capable of processing hemp from up to 2,500 acres annually, but the tribe only has 500 acres of tillable land and can grow roughly 100 acres of hemp each year.

This means that the project will need to source additional hemp from local farmers to meet its operational capacity. Tribal member and project manager Danny Desjarlais emphasised the importance of collaborating with local farmers to sustain the factory’s operations and fulfill the community's housing goals.

Economic investment and future expansion

The construction of the factory represents a significant investment in the local economy. Initial reports valued the facility at $2.3 million for a 10,000 square foot space. However, estimates suggest that a second phase could bring the total investment to over $6 million, doubling the factory's capacity to 20,000 square feet. The project has been funded through a combination of sustainability grants, community-raised funds, and loans, including a notable $1.5 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

First homes completed

The first homes constructed using hempcrete have already been completed, and the first two residents have moved into a newly built duplex. These are the first hempcrete homes of their kind in Minnesota, with plans to construct additional homes during the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

• Hempcrete is an eco-friendly, energy-efficient building material made from hemp.
• The facility currently sources some hemp materials from external suppliers to meet demand.
• Future phases of the project will increase the facility's capacity and further contribute to the reservation's housing and economic development needs.

Hempcrete's Progress in the US Construction Industry

Personal perspective

From my perspective, this initiative represents a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation. By leveraging the natural resources of their land and creating sustainable homes for the community, the Lower Sioux Indian Community has set a strong example for other communities to follow.

It’s particularly inspiring to see a focus on sustainability, not only in terms of economic growth but also in how the project aims to protect the environment.

The effort to work with local farmers and expand the reach of this project demonstrates the community's forward-thinking approach to economic development. This project not only meets a pressing need for housing but also lays the foundation for future opportunities that could benefit generations to come.

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