Presentation Title
Consumer demand for hemp: Evidence from Vermont
Abstract
Opportunity for hemp production in the U.S. has expanded amid federal regulatory changes, most notably with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. As an early leader in hemp production, Vermont is particularly well positioned to participate in this new hemp market. Faced with an increasingly favorable political landscape and a rising interest in hemp production among farmers and consumers alike, evidence-based research on hemp’s feasibility in Vermont is critical to inform producers seeking to effectively plan for and participate in this renewed agricultural sector. This study characterizes consumer demand for hemp through survey data of Vermont residents about their support for, familiarity with and use of hemp-based products. Findings reveal high support and familiarity with hemp products and moderate use of hemp products. Though CBD appears to play an important role in defining hemp demand, this study challenges the notion that CBD is the single driving force, with clothing and textile products also contributing to the market landscape. Demographic variables have weak or no association with consumer demand for hemp and indicate a broad market for hemp products. This study offers a base for which to understand consumer demand for hemp production.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Jane Kolodinsky
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Jane Kolodinsky
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Community Development and Applied Economics
Primary Research Category
Social Sciences
Consumer demand for hemp: Evidence from Vermont
Opportunity for hemp production in the U.S. has expanded amid federal regulatory changes, most notably with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. As an early leader in hemp production, Vermont is particularly well positioned to participate in this new hemp market. Faced with an increasingly favorable political landscape and a rising interest in hemp production among farmers and consumers alike, evidence-based research on hemp’s feasibility in Vermont is critical to inform producers seeking to effectively plan for and participate in this renewed agricultural sector. This study characterizes consumer demand for hemp through survey data of Vermont residents about their support for, familiarity with and use of hemp-based products. Findings reveal high support and familiarity with hemp products and moderate use of hemp products. Though CBD appears to play an important role in defining hemp demand, this study challenges the notion that CBD is the single driving force, with clothing and textile products also contributing to the market landscape. Demographic variables have weak or no association with consumer demand for hemp and indicate a broad market for hemp products. This study offers a base for which to understand consumer demand for hemp production.