1193269 BC Ltd., doing business as Shelter, announced today the launch of its Craft Collective Division, designed to assist and promote the entry of small farmers to market.

While most 'cannabis 2.0' talk has focused on edibles as a potential saviour of a legalization plan that has been plagued with quality issues, inexperience, and an apparent deafness to consumer concerns, many longtime industry players are looking to micro cultivators to be the game changer.

Kyp Rowe, Business Development Lead for the division is a former Director of Operations with Choom and Sante Veritas. An experienced grower, Mr Rowe will also leverage skills from his background in wineries and greenhouses to ensure farmers have the right tools to succeed.

Also joining the team will be Community Engagement Lead Travis Lane, a well-known cultivator with deep experience in the pre-legal cannabis industry.

Multiple barriers still exist for small cultivators, including the need to fully build out a growing facility even before applying for a licence. Lingering questions around security clearances have also slowed the rollout of this new licence class. Once licensed however, there are further barriers, said Lane, "the biggest challenge small cannabis cultivators face once they get licensed is navigating the supply chain to bring product to consumers."

"Having come from the traditional market," said Rowe, "I understand the importance of having a community, a place where all of the unique growers can showcase their individuality through their flower. Shelter Craft Collective is such a space."

Lane agreed, saying "As an aspiring micro-cultivator myself , I am excited to be working with Shelter's Craft Collective division, a group that presents solutions to the unique challenges small gardeners and farmers face in a way that focuses on maintaining product quality and representing craft brands before their own. A group that includes actual growers and consumers who understand this industry and its history, and I encourage fellow micro-cultivators to reach out."

Shelter Craft Collective will also shortly be launching a 'help desk' open to all small farmers looking to navigate the legal Canadian cannabis market.