Based on a state-sponsored survey of 1,100 hemp participants across twenty-three states, the hemp sector suffers from chronic bottlenecks and scanty knowledge despite the high interest among the crop’s producers; thus, it requires wide-scope research measures.
The poll, sponsored through America’s Agriculture Department’s Supplemental and Alternative Crops Completive (SACC) awards program, intended to point out hemp education and research priorities for the next multiple years. Shelby Ellison, Wisconsin University’s assistant professor, analyzed the results in an eight-page document.
The report finalizes that the feedback indicates a strong need for hemp reinvestment to make the crop financially feasible to stakeholders. It notes that survey outcomes can be utilized through financing entities to foster targeted award programs to assist in supporting this re-emerging plant.
Participants emphasized on economics research and hemp commodities’ marketing as a chief priority. 94% of the interviewees said CBD market research is extremely crucial.
Other research niches that the participants considered ‘extremely crucial’ entailed optional cannabinoids such as hemp seed oil, food products, hemp biofuels, hemp animal feed, fibre products and hemp proteins.
Over 85% of participants said that more research is required to better comprehend hemp effects on animal and human nutrition. They suggested that studies should focus on the endocannabinoid system processing, interactions, dosage and long-haul usage.
They also suggested that additional research is necessary for textiles, bioremediation, bioplastics, health benefits, THC, building materials, public opinion and construction materials.
The survey was created by the planning commission for the introductory National Hemp Research and Education Conference that was sponsored through the aforementioned SACC grant. Sector stakeholders gave extra input for the poll queries. Feedbacks that concentrated on the 2019 cultivation season were collected during 2019 December and 2020 January then analyzed by Ellison.
Other survey findings include:
- Policy and regulatory issues are a huge concern, calling for directed research
- Research is required in infrastructure, equipment and engineering to alleviate productivity
