FOREST PRODUCTS MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN LOUISIANA

• Sponsoring Institution: State Agricultural Experiment Station
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: STATE
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0218341
• Project Start Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Project End Date: Dec 31, 2013
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE,LA 70803-0100

Performing Department
School of Renewable Natural Resources

Non Technical Summary
Louisiana's forests represent an important resource for the state, both in terms of income to landowners and as inputs to the forest products industry. The harvest of timber, which is Louisiana's number one agricultural crop both in terms of gross income and value-added processing, supports a solid wood forest products industry that consists of about 930 primary and secondary manufacturing establishments. The forest sector, including forestry and forest products, represents Louisiana's second largest employer with approximately 17,000 manufacturing jobs and 8,000 jobs in the harvesting/transportation of timber. Although Louisiana has a wood products industry, when compared to neighboring southern states, since 1987, the state has consistently ranked at or near the bottom in adding value to its wood product resources relative to southern states with similar forest resources. Marketing and business development research in the Louisiana forest sector is important in identifying why. It includes research on existing and future consumer market trends, location decision criteria for existing Louisiana companies that might expand or companies that could be recruited from outside the state, raw materials availability and competition for raw materials, labor force skills and training requirements, the competitive environment for finished products from a global perspective, and potential for new products to be developed and how they might compete with existing traditional products.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
604	0650	3100	70%
602	0650	3100	20%
606	0650	3100	10%

Knowledge Area
602 - Business Management, Finance, and Taxation; 604 - Marketing and Distribution Practices; 606 - International Trade and Development;

Subject Of Investigation
0650 - Wood and wood products;

Field Of Science
3100 - Management;

Keywords

louisiana

forest products

marketing

value added

business development

economic development

Goals / Objectives
Objective 1) Examine market structures and issues facing the forest products industry in Louisiana from the perspective of the supply chain from the forest to consumers. Activities and Outputs: 1. Track changes in markets and products in the Louisiana wood products industry. 2. Identify supply chain participants and target information appropriate to each segment. 3. Identify information and outreach needs of the industry as conditions change. 4. Keep abreast of certification activities globally, in the United States, in the US South and in Louisiana. 5. Identify opportunities for and possible alternatives to certification for the Louisiana forest products industry. Objective 2) Identify factors and processes that promote or deter sustainable growth and market development of the forest products industry in Louisiana. Activities and Outputs 1. Create sustainable employment opportunities with transferable skills while maintaining stewardship of renewable forest resources. 2. Apply market strategy and statistical tools to evaluate market attractiveness and industry expansion potential for existing and/or new Louisiana forest products. 3. Identify information ond outreach needs of the industry as conditions change. Objective 3) Identify Louisiana forest products sector employee training and skills development needs. Activities and Outputs 1. Monitor employment structures by activity and skill level in Louisiana's primary and secondary wood products sectors. 2. Identify unfulfilled training requirements. 3. Identify impediments to increasing employment in the wood products industry. 4. Generate information that can be used by policymakers in Louisiana to develop wood processing training initiatives. 5. Develop recommendations that can lead to increased employment in the wood products sector in both rural and urban areas of Louisiana.

Project Methods
Research in marketing and business development is social science research. I study people's perceptions, awareness, motivations, actions and future perspectives. All of the research I do is conducted using mail, web-based, and telephone surveys or in-person interviews or focus groups. In general, sampling, survey procedures, follow-up efforts and data analysis will be conducted in accordance with well-documented and verified techniques. Sample frames for this research will vary depending on the area of emphasis. Generally, for market structure and competitive analysis, the wood products sample frames will be manufacturing firms the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Subsector 321: Wood product manufacturing and NAICS Subsector 337: Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing. There is a myriad of industry segments within these subsectors including hardwood and softwood lumber, plywood, particleboard, medium density fiberboard, oriented strandboard, laminated veneer lumber, hardwood dimension and flooring, wood kitchen cabinets, wood household furniture, wood office furniture, store fixtures, partitions, millwork, and doors. For the research studies encompassed in the study objectives, many populations could be sampled including government policymakers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), manufacturers, forestland owners, consumers, distribution intermediaries, exporters, etc. As far as research design, once again, it depends on the size of the industry sub-sector, funding availability, and ease of access to respondents. For example, for sectors with few members such as North American medium density fiberboard producers, a census of companies would be conducted. For larger forest-sector populations such as U.S. softwood lumber sawmills either the top "X" number of companies or a random sample would be surveyed. Sources of sample frame information are primarily purchased mailing lists by NAICS sector. In addition, industry directories, trade associations and academic institutions will be consulted in developing respondent mailing lists. These sources will be cross referenced to develop reliable lists. Examples of the many available trade associations and secondary sources include: the Random Lengths Big Book, the Wood Products Red Book, Dun and Bradstreet industry listings, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) membership list, the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA), the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (SLMA) the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA), and the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA). All mail surveys are sent first-class postage mail to ensure that undeliverable surveys are sent back to me and reflected in the adjusted responses rate. Whether the survey method is survey, personal interviews, focus groups or other means of data collection, depending on the research objective and area, the appropriate key respondent will be identified and contacted.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Louisiana forest sector stakeholders including forest landowners, forest products manufacturers, economic development professionals, association members, and academicians. Changes/Problems: Did not research employment training needs and opportunities in the Louisiana forest sector due to lack of funding for this objective. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Refereed journal articles, extension briefs, web site content, presentations, meetings,and workshops. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue with the same methods.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This research examined market structures and issues facing the forest products industry in Louisiana from the perspective of the supply chain from the forest to consumers,tracked changes in markets and products in the Louisiana wood products industry,identifed supply chain participants and targeted information appropriate to each segment,identifed information and outreach needs of the industry as conditions changed,kept abreast of certification activities globally, in the United States, in the US South and in Louisiana,identifed factors and processes that promote or deter sustainable growth and market development of the forest products industry in Louisiana,generated information that can be used by policymakers in Louisiana to develop wood processing training initiatives, anddeveloped recommendations that can lead to increased employment in the bio-based wood products sector inLouisiana.

Publications

• Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hansen, E., Panwar, R., & Vlosky, R. 2013. The global forest sector: Changes, practices, and prospects. Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis-CRC press. 471 pp. ISBN 9781439879276.
• Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hansen, E., Panwar, R., & Vlosky, R. 2013. Understanding and managing change in the global forest sector. In Hansen, E., Panwar, R., & Vlosky R. (Eds.), The global forest sector: Changes, practices, and prospects: 3-14. Boca Raton: CRC . ISBN 9781439879276.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Sharma, P., J. Romagnoli, and R.P. Vlosky. 2013. Strategic Value Optimization and Analysis of Multi-product Biomass Refineries with Multiple Stakeholder Considerations. Computers and Chemical Engineering. March 5. 50(105-129).
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Perera,P. and R.P. Vlosky.(2013. How previous visits shape trip quality, perceived value, satisfaction, and future behavioral intentions: The case of forest-based ecotourism in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Sport Management, Recreation and Tourism. 11(a), 1-24 http://www.ijsmart.eu/Contents.aspx?Y=2013&V=11&Is=a.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sharma, P., J. Romagnoli, and R. Vlosky. Options Analysis of long-term capacity design and operation of a lignocellusic biomass refinery. Submitted to: Computer and Chemical Engineering.
• Type: Websites Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Web Developer & Webmaster-Louisiana Forest Products Development Center Website. www.rnr.lsu.edu/lfpdc.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Web Developer & Webmaster-Louisiana Forest Products Community Website. www.laforestproducts.org.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Web Developer & Webmaster-Louisiana Forest Industries Website. www.lsuagcenter.com/forestindustries.
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Web Developer & Webmaster-United Nations-UNECE-Team of Specialists on Forest Products Marketing and Markets-Current Issues Website. www.rnr.lsu.edu/lfpdc/unece.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: October 2, 2013 Keynote Presenter. Colombo, Sri Lanka. An Overview of Wood-based Bioenergy" and "Wood-to-Electricity to Support Rural Development: A Case Study in India". Certification and Sustainability in Sri Lanka. Institute of Environmental Professionals.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: September 27, 2013 Keynote Presenter. An Overview of Wood-based Bioenergy" and "Wood-to-Electricity to Support Rural Development: A Case Study in India". Capacity Building Workshop on Modern Technologies for Wood Based Industries in Sri Lanka. Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: August 14, 2013 Presenter. Baton Rouge. Overview of the forest products program in the School of Renewable Natural Resources. AgBIOS student school overview and opportunities.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: June 19, 2013 Presenter. New Orleans. An Overview of Louisiana Forest Sector. Louisiana Farm Bureau annual convention.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: February 28, 2013 Presentation Co-Author. Managing short-rotation woody crops in the Western Gulf. USA Mississippi River Basin & Coastal Plains Tour for Bankhaus Lampe. Blazier, Vlosky, Liechty, H., Pelkki, M., Johnson, J.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: September 26, 2013 Presenter. Forest & Chain-of-Custody Certification". Capacity Building Workshop on Modern Technologies for Wood Based Industries in Sri Lanka. Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: September 25, 2013 Presenter. Marketing Wood-based Products: Processes and Applications". Capacity Building Workshop on Modern Technologies for Wood Based Industries in Sri Lanka. Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: September 24, 2013 Keynote Presenter. Assessing International Markets: Prospects & Opportunities for Tropical Countries. Capacity Building Workshop on Modern Technologies for Wood Based Industries in Sri Lanka. Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: July 25, 2013 Presenter. Kashipur, India. Overview of the Louisiana Forest Products Development Center and the Forest Sector in Louisiana. Indian Institute of Management. Graduate student seminar.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: March 25, 2013 Keynote Speaker. Morioka, Japan. Conducting Certification Market Research. Global Forest Products Marketing and Forest Certification in a Green Economy. Conference presented by Forest Resources & Mathematical Modeling Group of Japan (FORMATH).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: March 25, 2013 Keynote Speaker. Hokkaido, Japan. Forest Sector Competitiveness in a Global Recession. Forest and Farm Sustainability in the Furano Valley. Conference collaborators: Furano Development Council, Hokkaido University Sustainability Education and Research Center, and the University of Tokyo. Co-presentation authors: Rajat Panwar, Eric Hansen, Paritosh Sharma.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: February 27, 2013 Washington, DC. Technical Presentation (Poster) Co-Author. Wood-based Bio-based Business: Implications for Rural Development in Louisiana. USDA-AFRI Program-Project Leader Conference. Co-authors: Dek Terrell, Paul Darby, Roger Smithhart, Michael Blazier, Glenn Hughes, Anand Mishra & Anil Kizhakkepurakkal.

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Ten conference presentations, 2 conference proceedings and 5 peer-reviewed papers published. PARTICIPANTS: R.P. Vlosky (PI), Roger Smithhart, Michael Blazier, Paul Darby, Anand Mishra, Anil Kizhakkepurakkal, LSU AgCenter; Charles D'Agostino, Dek Terrell, Daniel Vlosky, Louisiana State University; Priyan Perera, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka; Andreja Pirc, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Ramesh Kolluru, Mark Smith, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Rajat Panwar, Northland University; Eric Hansen, Oregon State University; Kuzman, M.K., D. Motik, K. Biani and L. Oblak, University of Croatia. TARGET AUDIENCES: Forest products and wood processing industries. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Short, medium and long-term opportunities were identified for forest landowners and agricultural producers that are seeking options to diversify their revenue generation portfolios. These business practices, if adopted, can significantly change the future priorities, revenue streams and the overall complexion of the agricultural and forestry landscapes for small and medium landowners in Louisiana, Mississippi, and elsewhere in the U.S. Gulf South. The integrated research and outreach efforts in this project will identify high potential alternative bio-based revenue and profit streams members of the Louisiana forest sector supply chain.

Publications

• Smithhart, R., R. Vlosky, M. Blazier, P. Darby, G. Hughes, and D. Terrell. 2012. Bio-based Paths to Prosperity for Small and Medium Forest Landowners: a Pilot Study in Southwest Louisiana. Open Journal of Forestry. 12(4)272-278.
• Pirc Barcic, A., R.P. Vlosky, and D. Motik. 2012. Deconstructing Innovation: An Exploratory Study of the U.S. Furniture Industry. Forest Prod. J. 61(8):635-643.
• Kuzman, M.K., D. Motik, K. Bicanic , L. Oblak, and R.P. Vlosky. 2012. A Comparative Analysis of Consumer Attitudes on the Use of Wood Products in Slovenia and Croatia. Drvna Industrija 63(2):71-79.
• Vlosky, R.P., M.A. Blazier, R. Smithhart, G.Hughes, P. Darby and D. Terrell. 2012. Potential for Forest-Based Bioenergy Production for Small and Medium Forest Owners in the Southeast USA (Refereed) Proceedings of the 2012 IUFRO 3.08 Small-scale Forestry Conference. Amherst, Massachusetts USA September 24-27.
• Vlosky, R.P. and R. Panwar. 2012. Competing in a Global Recession. Proceedings of the IUFRO (International Union of Forest Research Organizations) Division 5 International Conference. Estoril, Portugal. July 8-13.
• Vlosky, R.P. and R. Panwar. 2012. Competing in the Global Recession. Abstract in Proceedings of the 2012 Society of Scandinavian Forest Economists Biannual Conference. May 5, 2012.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Tangible results: new techniques (0), number and types of publications (1 book; 5 refereed articles; 3 non-refereed publications), and presentations (Louisiana-3; National-11; International-3). PARTICIPANTS: R.P. Vlosky, (PI), R. Smithhart, S. Lanka, M. Blazier, R. Olson, P. Darby, LSU AgCenter; A. Baffoe, London, England; H. Quesdada-Pineda, Virginia Tech, P. Perera, University of Sri Jayawardenapura; B. Glavonjic, and A. Pirc, University of Belgrade; R. Kolluru, and M. Smith, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; C. D'Agostino, and D. Terrell, and D. Vlosky, Louisiana State University. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include all members of global forest sector supply chains, policy makers, forest landowners, and wood products manufacturers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
PROJECT 1) Louisiana and Mississippi Green Jobs Research-The nature of the Louisiana wood products supply chain suggests that is a high potential for employment across a variety of "green job" activities. This was the first time an attempt was made to understand green jobs and their growth potential in Louisiana's forest products industries. Green job employment in the Louisiana forest products supply chain was estimated at 13,199 individuals with an estimated $494.3 million in total annual wages earned in 2011. This information is of great interest because it provides insight on what factors are required to create green jobs and their impact on Louisiana's economy. PROJECT 2) New Bio-based Paths to Prosperity for Small and Medium Agricultural and Forest Landowners: A Pilot Study in Louisiana and Mississippi- Agriculture and Food Research Initiative of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant #2010-85211-204952. This project resulted in a baseline understanding of the roles that forest and agricultural producers play in the rapidly growing bio-based sector for fuel and energy. Short, medium and long-term opportunities were identified for forest landowners and agricultural producers that are seeking options to diversify their revenue generation portfolios. These business practices, if adopted, can significantly change the future priorities, revenue streams and the overall complexion of the agricultural and forestry landscapes for small and medium landowners in Louisiana, Mississippi, and elsewhere in the U.S. Gulf South. PROJECT 3) Identifying Opportunities for Forest Sector Companies to Participate in the Wood-Based Bio Revolution: A Supply Chain Insertion Approach - Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program, USDA/AMS; CFDA: 10.156 Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-FSMIP-2010. This integrated research and outreach effort will identify high potential alternative bio-based revenue and profit streams members of the Louisiana forest sector supply chain.

Publications

• Baffoe, A. and R.P. Vlosky. 2011. Forest Certification: Implications For Sustainable Forest Management And Timber Export Trade In Ghana. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. ISBN 978-3-8433-9306-5, Paperback, 124 pages.
• Quesada-Pineda, H.J., D. Kenealy and R.P. Vlosky. 2011. Transitioning Ideation to Commercialization: A Comprehensive Product Development Strategy with an Application in the Wood Products Industry. Forest Prod. J. 60(7/8):694-699.
• Perera, P., R.P. Vlosky and S. Wahala. 2011. Motivational and Behavioral Profiling of Visitors to Forest-based Recreational Destinations in Sri Lanka. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research. Taylor & Francis Group. DOI:10.1080/10941665.2011.627353.
• Vlosky R.P. & Smithhart, R. A. 2011. Brief Global Perspective on Biomass for Bioenergy and Biofuels. Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment, Vol. 01, No. 01 (2011) pp 1-13. (Sri Lanka).
• Vlosky, R.P. 2011. A Comparison of the Primary and Secondary Wood Products Sectors in Louisiana. Drvna Industrija (Wood Industry) Croatia 62 (3) 201-211.
• A.G. Nor Suryani, H.O. Mohd Shahwahid, P. Ahmad Fauzi, and R.P. Vlosky. 2011. An Assessment of Chain-of-Custody Certification Costs of Sawnwood Manufacturers in Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Tropical Forest Science. Forest Research.
• Blazier, M., H. Liechty, E. Taylor, R. Vlosky and M. Pelkki. 2011. Extension programming to foster awareness of emerging Agroforestry methods for producing biofuels in the western Gulf region. In Ashton, S.F., S.W. Workman, W.G. Hubbard and D.J. Moorhead, eds. Agroforestry: a profitable land use. Proceedings, 12th North American Agroforestry Conference, Athens, GA, June 4-9, 2011.
• Vlosky, R.P. 2011. Biofuels Profitability-Paths to Prosperity for Small and Medium Producers in Louisiana and Mississippi. Louisiana Agriculture. Winter 2011.

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Tangible results: New varieties (0), new techniques (0), number and types of publications (1 book chapter; 2 refereed presentations; 2 non-refereed publications)and presentations (Louisiana-2; National-3; International-7). PARTICIPANTS: Individual Collaborators: Dr. Branko Glavonjic, Professor, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Andreja Pirc, PhD student, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Paul Darby, PhD Candidate, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University; Odoom Domson, Masters student, Forest Products Marketing Program, Louisiana Forest Products Development Center; Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, Director, Center for Business and Information Technology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette;Dr. Mark Smith, Assistant Director, Center for Business and Information Technology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette;Charles D'Agostino, Executive Director, Louisiana Business and Technology Center, Louisiana State University; Dr. Dek Terrell, Director Louisiana Economics Center, Louisiana State University; Dr. Michael Blazier, Associate Professor, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include all members of global forest sector supply chains, policy makers, forest landowners, and wood products manufacturers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
PROJECT 1) Deconstructing Innovation in the Furniture in the United States.- Presentations at Wood Products Association conference in Slovakia and IUFRO World Congress pre-conference in Japan, book chapter. PROJECT 2) The Wood Products Industry in the Western Balkan Region.- Peer-reviewed article published, presentation at IUFRO World Congress in Korea.PROJECT 3) Strategic Positioning Analysis of Ghana's National Wood Export Sector.- Peer-reviewed article published.PROJECT 4) Potential of Using Poultry Litter as a Feedstock for Energy Production.-Non-peer-reviewed report published. PROJECT 5) An Overview of the U.S. Furniture Industry.- Non-peer-reviewed report published.

Publications

• Pirc, A. and R.P. Vlosky. 2010. A Comparison of Innovation in the Furniture Manufacturing Industries of Croatia and the United States. Vyhne, Slovakia. Wood Processing and Furniture: Present Conditions, Opportunities and New Challenges. Pp.149-156. ISBN 978-80-228-2160-5
• Pirc, A. and R.P. Vlosky. 2010. A Brief Overview of the U.S. Furniture Industry. LSU AgCenter. Louisiana Forest Products Development Center. Working Paper #89. July 14.
• Perera, R., P. Perera, R.P. Vlosky and P. Darby. 2010. Potential of Using Poultry Litter as a Feedstock for Energy Production. Working Paper #88. Louisiana Forest Products Development Center. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 15.
• Glavonjic, B., R.P. Vlosky, G.F. Borlea, S. Petrovic, and P. Sretenovic. 2010. The Wood Products Industry in the Western Balkan Region. Forest Prod. J. 59(10):98-111
• Domson, O. and R.P. Vlosky. 2010. Strategic Positioning Analysis of Ghana National Wood Export Sector. African Journal of Business Management Vol. 4(6), pp. 820-830, June 2010. Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM ISSN 1993-8233Nairobi, Kenya.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: PROJECT 1) Forest Certification Descriptions as a Tool for Branding: An Exploratory Analysis of U.S. Homebuilders & Architects-The diversity of forest environmental certification schemes can be confusing to consumers. There is a need to understand how information provided by certifiers is processed by supply chain members. In this study, we develop and test a model that deconstructs certification descriptions into three components. A multivariate regression was used to determine certification description influences to consider forest certification,deem certification as an effective marketing tool, and perceive that certified products provide advantages over non-certified products. Findings suggest that forest certification descriptions that place a high importance in explaining reasons that justify the use of certified wood products are the most important determinants of supply chain members' perceptions about forest certification. PROJECT 2) Timber Sale Systems in the Balkans-As the economies of the Balkan countries evolve, their forestry sectors are also in transition. One significant challenge for all Balkan countries is the implementation of effective wood sales systems. This study presents results from research conducted on wood sale systems found in the Balkan region and suggests recommendations for improvement. PROJECT 3) Changes in Value-Added Wood Product Manufacturer Perceptions about Certification in the United States from 2002-2008- Certification is becoming an important market requirement particularly in value-added wood product sectors such as furniture, flooring, and millwork. In 2002 and 2008 we conducted national studies in the United States to identify value-added wood industry perspectives and participation in certification and to see what has changed in the industry in the past 6 years. PROJECT 4) Conjoint analysis of the effects of region of origin, price and environmental certification eco-labeling on consumer preferences for wood products- In the US, the number of chain-of-custody certifications and volume of wood products carrying an eco-label have increased considerably. Simultaneously, eco-label formats and mutual recognition between certification programs have evolved to improve the ease of certification adoption. However, eco-labels seem to be an ineffective marketing tool to inform consumers about environmental certification and impacts on the forests from which the wood products they purchase originate. The objectives of this study were to detect any differences in U.S. consumer preferences for certified wood products based on information provided on region of origin, certifying agency and product price. A conjoint analysis elicited preferences based in varying price levels (no premium, 10% premium, 20% premium), region of origin (tropical, temperate, no information provided), and type of certificate (issued by a government agency, private certifier, no certification available). The research instrument provided comparative profiles for a ready-to-assemble table that parameterized the effects of price, region of origin and certification label on consumer preferences. PARTICIPANTS: Abraham Baffoe, Manager, ProForest, South Suite, Frewin Chambers, Frewin Court, Oxford, OX1 3HZ, United Kingdom Francisco X. Aguilar, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, 203L Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 Eva Haviarova, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, FPRD 111A, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061 Rado Gazo, Professor, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, FPRD 111A, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061 Daniel Cassens, Professor, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, FPRD 111A, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061 Michael Dunn, Associate Professor, Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Matt Fannin, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Priyan Perera, Doctoral Graduate Research Assistant, School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Rangika Perera, Doctoral Graduate Research Assistant, School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Qinglin Wu, Professor, School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Todd Shupe, Professor, School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Tom Hammett, Professor, Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, 230 Cheatham Hall (0323), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 Charles Clement, Instructor, School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 TARGET AUDIENCES: Forest sector industry companies, government policy makers, non-governmental organizations, association leaders and members, youth, university graduate and undergraduate students PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
PROJECT 1) Forest Certification Descriptions as a Tool for Branding: An Exploratory Analysis of U.S. Homebuilders & Architects-The results of this study can help certifiers to create effective messages that are more likely to be accepted and internalized by wood product supply chain members and other stakeholders in the sphere of certification; PROJECT 2) Timber Sale Systems in the Balkans-Results can help in the continuation of cooperation between Balkan governments and international organizations and institutions, strengthening mutual cooperation and understanding between governments and industry, accelerating changes in legislation, and promoting timber sale compatibility with EU countries. Timber sale systems in Balkan countries, with the exception of Romania, are undeveloped and burdened with numerous problems. These problems stem from a lack of legal, organizational, and market structures and procedures as well as corruption. Results indicate that the role of international organizations such as FAO, UNECE, The World Bank, GTZ, USAID, and others is going to be significant in helping the region to develop and monitor timber sale systems. Only through the establishment of timber sale systems based on transparency, established and enforced procedures, and a market orientation can the countries of this region fully and efficiently participate in domestic and international markets. PROJECT 3) Changes in Value-Added Wood Product Manufacturer Perceptions about Certification in the U.S. from 2002-2008 - Results show that certification continues to be an important issue for the value-added wood products sector in the U.S. Certification awareness and participation have increased significantly from 2002-2008. The percent of respondents receiving premiums for certified products has increased significantly from 2002-2008 and the percent of respondents incurring [non-raw material] costs for certified wood raw materials declined. The percent of respondents paying a premium for certified wood raw materials has also declined. Although these results may suggest profitability, the value and profitability propositions for certification remain elusive and inconsistent. PROJECT 4) Conjoint analysis of the effects of region of origin, price and environmental certification eco-labeling on consumer preferences for wood products- We suggest that differentiating certification and certified product information between temperate and tropical regions of origin could educate consumers on the different challenges of sustainable forest management in these two regions. The results of this research can potentially help to identify and penetrate market segments where price premiums emerge as an incentive to promote forest stewardship.

Publications

• Vlosky, R.P. 2009. Information Technology Driven Supply Chain Optimization in the Wood Products Industry. Proceedings of Competitiveness of Wood Processing and Furniture Manufacturing. Bicancic, K. (Ed.). University of Zagreb, Croatia. ISBN 978-953-192-010-9
• Vlosky, R.P., A. Baffoe, P. Perera and R. Perera. 2009. An Overview of Wood-based Energy in the United States with a Focus on the U.S. South. Proceedings of the Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium. Shupe, T.F. (Ed.). LSU AgCenter. Baton Rouge, LA. ISBN 0-9763632-3-2
• Vlosky, R.P. and F.X. Aguilar. 2009. A Model of Employee Satisfaction: Gender Differences in Cooperative Extension. J. of Extension. April. 47(2) Article 2FEA2
• Haviarova, E. and R.P. Vlosky. 2009. A Recipe for Creating a Web-Based Virtual Community. J. of Extension. August. 47(4) Article 4FEA6
• Vlosky, R.P. and M.A. Dunn. 2009. A Regional View of Extension Employee Perceptions of Scholarship in the Workplace. J. of Extension. 47(1) Article Number 1FEA1
• Perera, R. and R.P. Vlosky. 2009. An Overview of the Wood Product Import sector in the U.S. VDM Verlag Dr. Muller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG, Saarbrucken, Germany. 92p. ISBN 978-3-639-13770-5
• Aguilar, F.X., R.P. Vlosky and A.L. Hammett. 2009. Conjoint analysis of the effects of region of origin, price and environmental certification eco-labeling on consumer preferences for wood products. In Proc. XIIIth World Forestry Congress (WFC). 18- 25 October 2009. Buenos Aires - Argentina
• Smith, M., J.M. Fannin and R.P. Vlosky. 2009. Forest Sector Supply Chain Mapping: An Application in Louisiana Cover and Feature Article. Forest Prod. J. 59(6):7-16
• Perera, R. and R.P. Vlosky. 2009.Tropical Wood Products Exports from Sri Lanka. Cover and Feature Article. Forest Prod. J. 59(5):6-10
• Vlosky, R.P. 2009. Information Technology Driven Supply Chain Optimization in the Wood Products Industry. Proceedings of WoodEMA Conference 2009-Competitiveness of Wood Processing and Furniture Manufacturing. Sibenik, Croatia. October 7-9
• Vlosky, R.P. and F.X. Aguilar. 2009. Spatial Analysis Identifies Louisiana Forest Products Manufacturing Clusters. Research Matters. Newsletter of School of Renewable Natural Resources. LSU. Summer 2009. P 8
• Vlosky, R.P. 2009. Statistical Overview of the U.S. Wood Preserving Industry:2007. Sponsor report for the Southern Forest Products Association. Kenner, Louisiana. February 16th. 81 pages
• Clement, C. E. and R.P. Vlosky. 2009. A Comparison of the Primary and Secondary Wood Products Sectors in Louisiana: 2008. LSU AgCenter. Louisiana Forest Products Development Center. Working Paper 87. July 8
• Vlosky, R.P., T.F. Shupe and Q. Wu. 2009. Perceptions & Use of Termite Resistant Treated Wood Products Part I: The Perspective of Homeowners in Formosan Subterranean Termite Infected States. Drvna Industrija (Wood Industry). 60(3):135-144
• Vlosky, R.P., T.F. Shupe and Q. Wu. 2009. Perceptions & Use of Termite Resistant Treated Wood Products Part II: The Perspective of Home Builders and Architects in Formosan Subterranean Termite Infected States. Drvna Industrija (Wood Industry). 60(4):219-228
• Vlosky, R.P., R. Gazo, D. Cassens and P. Perera. 2009. Changes in Value-Added Wood Product Manufacturer Perceptions about Certification in the United States from 2002-2008. Drvna Industrija (Wood Industry). 60(2):89-94
• Clement, C. E. and R.P. Vlosky. 2009. Survey of Mulch Retailers Shows Low Use at Big Boxes. Forest & People. Louisiana Forestry Association. 59(1):34-35
• Vlosky, R.P. and M. A. Dunn. 2009. Cooperative Extension Employee Satisfaction in the Workplace: Does Race Matter LSU AgCenter. Louisiana Forest Products Development Center. Working Paper 86. March 20
• Vlosky, R.P. 2009. Research Agenda For Louisiana Forest Products Marketing and Business Development 2009-2013, LSU AgCenter. Louisiana Forest Products Development Center. Working Paper 85. March 17