Factors affecting Alabama landowner interest in harvesting pine straw and willingness to accept prices

Production of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) offers a way for landowners to generate income without harvesting timber. In Alabama, pine straw is a NTFP with strong market potential, but the market is relatively undeveloped compared to markets in some other Southeastern states. A mail survey was conducted to assess the willingness of landowners to engage in alternative forestry enterprises, including pine straw harvesting. Those who owned a relatively large forest area (especially of planted pine), had used a consulting forester, and lived outside of the county where their forestland was located had higher levels of interest in harvesting pine straw for profit. Landowners who resided in the same county as their forestland expected higher prices for their pine straw than absentee owners. Primary concerns among landowners interested in harvesting pine straw were related to lack of technical information and lack of a product market.