RFP: Perceptions of Hemp
Understanding Perceptions of Pennsylvania’s Hemp Industry
The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act authorized the production of hemp in the United States after a nearly 80-year prohibition. By early 2019, hemp had been identified as a potential economic development opportunity for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since, there have been statewide efforts focused specifically on the federally legal hemp industry. However, hurdles exist for the industry concerning consumer perceptions stemming from the plant’s close genetic relationship with cannabis, historical perceptions of cannabis, and cannabis’ continued status as a federally classified substance.
While the industry’s economic potential is generally well understood, these perceptions can cause challenges for industry and policy professionals navigating business & economic growth opportunities and looking to advance hemp as a viable agricultural and industrial sector in areas such as livestock feed, building materials, textiles, bioplastics, and more.
The goal of this project is to analyze perceptions of the hemp industry, from both a general audience and an “informed consumer” standpoint with specific deliverables of:
- Stakeholder input through surveys and/or focus groups and/or one-on-one conversations.
- A report to summarize the process, outcomes, and findings.
- A 60-minute or 90-minute presentation on the process, outcomes, and findings to key stakeholders in a webinar.
View Full RFP here: Request for Proposal Document
Schedule
August 26, 2022
Team Pennsylvania Foundation releases RFP for applicant response
September 13, 2022
Responses to RFP due to Team Pennsylvania Foundation by 5:00 p.m. EST
September 14-16, 2022
Team Pennsylvania Foundation interviews with selected applicants (if necessary)
September 20, 2022
Team Pennsylvania Foundation announces award
Deliverables
Ideally, deliverables completed by December 15, 2022. The Pennsylvania Hemp Summit (November 14 & 15th, 2022) can be used as an opportunity to engage stakeholders or inform insights.
Point of Contact
All information related to this RFP, including proposal submission, shall be directed to:
Kelly Kundratic
Director, Agriculture Policy and Programs
Team Pennsylvania Foundation
717-233-1375
info@teampa.com