Consumer and purchasing agent response to terms used to describe forest products from southeast Alaska

Abstract

This study surveys 204 consumers and purchasing agents and reports their reaction to terms used to describe forest products from southeast Alaska. Although 67 percent of the respondents would purchase products from old-growth trees, purchasing agents were more likely to refuse to purchase such products (negative response from 12 percent of consumers vs. 29 percent for purchasing agents). Eighty-eight percent of respondents reacted positively to purchasing products from trees grown under sustainable-yield management. Twenty-eight percent of respondents reacted negatively to the term national forest, and the term "Tongass" received the highest level of uncertainty. When asked if they would purchase products made from trees cut from a forest of concern to either environmental or preservationist groups, respondents showed polarity with approximately equal yes (38 to 46 percent) and no (43 to 46 percent) responses. It was concluded that respondents had an overall positive view of Alaska forest products.

Citation

Brackley, Allen M.; Barber, Valerie. 2007. Consumer and purchasing agent response to terms used to describe forest products from southeast Alaska. Forest Products Journal. 58(1/2): 47-51