NCJ Number
182773
Date Published
January 2000
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This assessment of the status and market potential for industrial hemp in the United States concludes that uncertainty about long-term demand for hemp products and the potential for oversupply discounts the prospects for hemp as an economically viable alternative crop for American farmers.
Abstract
Current markets for bast fibers like industrial hemp include specialty textiles, paper, and composites. Hemp hurds are used in various applications such as animal bedding, composites, and low-quality papers. As joint products, finding viable markets for both hemp bast fiber and hurds may increase the chances of a successful business venture. Hemp industry sources and some academic studies cite many potential uses for hemp fiber and hurds; however, for these applications to develop or expand, hemp will have to compete with current raw materials and manufacturing practices. The U.S. market for hemp fibers is, and will likely remain, a small, thin market. Changes in price or quantity could be more disruptive and have a greater adverse impact on market participants than would be the case in a larger market. Several States have published reports or authorized agronomic and economic feasibility studies of hemp production. The four reports summarized in this presentation have focused on various aspects of supply and/or demand. Overall, hemp production was profitable only at the higher end of estimated yields and prices. It is questionable that U.S. producers could remain profitable at the low end of the estimated net return, particularly given the thinness of current U.S. hemp markets. 15 tables and 45 references