Omni Ventures, Inc. Kenaf Project

Omni Ventures continues to move forward with their vision of integrating kenaf as an alternative crop into their agricultural production rotation. They have been gaining ground in researching the methods of production as well as seeking marketing opportunities for the fiber crop.

Kenaf is an annual, woody-type plant of the Malvaceae family with the botanical name Hibiscus cannabinus. As growers search for profitable alternative, value-added crops and consumers demand more "green" products, kenaf was chosen by Omni Ventures as a candidate to fill both roles as a biofiber crop. Kenaf is composed of two distinct fibrous materials-bast and core-that are of interest as added-value components. The bast fibers are those most in demand in industrial markets and offer the greatest added value to growers since they can be used in a variety of products such as paper, textiles, fiberboard, biocomposite materials, and others. The core fiber can also be used for a variety of products such as animal bedding, oil absorbents, kitty litter, broiler litter, mulch, etc. The bast fibers comprise approximately 30 percent to 40 percent of the harvested raw kenaf, with the core comprising from 60 percent to 70 percent. While the core presently has less value in the marketplace than the bast fibers, indications are that the core could gain significant value if potential specialty uses in cosmetics and medical preparations materialize.

From their 42 members, Omni Ventures currently has 14 plots of kenaf planted in various locations throughout their region. Each plot consists of approximately two acres. Information they hope to obtain from their research plots include:

• Seed varieties conducive for the region regarding climate, soil types, etc.
• Row spacing
• Proper growing environment
• Cost of production and return per acre
• Harvest methods

Additionally, they are investigating methods of harvest to identify proper retting techniques and crop quality. These include mowing and baling, chopping with a silage chopper, and the freeze drying method which allows for harvesting the kenaf after a frost. These efforts are a part of the Conservation 2000 Sustainable Agriculture Grant awarded to the coalition used to research the potential for kenaf production in southwestern Illinois.

The expected result of this project is the implementation of a large-scale kenaf farming operation in southwestern Illinois by the year 2006 with OMNI Ventures marketing kenaf fiber and the core to manufacturing facilities. The opportunity for kenaf as a value-added crop seems promising. If successful, this will contribute to the diversification of agriculture within the state and open new markets by supplying Illinois agricultural products to the durable good sector of the economy.