Milkweed Harvester Questionnaire

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Milkweed Harvester Questionnaire

Consent Form

Title:
Scalability of Milkweed Economics: Harvesting of Milkweed Pods

Introduction and Purpose:
You are invited to participate in a research study that examines the economic potential of milkweed products. This study seeks to gather detailed insights from milkweed harvesters regarding their harvesting practices, costs, challenges, and overall market experiences. The findings may inform future market strategies and benefit the broader agricultural community.

Procedures:
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete a survey that covers the following topics:

Harvesting Practices: Details on how you collect milkweed pods.
Economic Considerations: Information about the costs and challenges involved in harvesting.
Market Experience: Your perspective on the current milkweed product market.

The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Risks and Benefits:

Risks:

The study involves minimal risk, comparable to everyday activities.
There are no anticipated physical or psychological risks associated with participation.

Benefits:

Your responses will contribute to a better understanding of the economic viability of milkweed products.
The insights gained may help shape future market opportunities and strategies for the agricultural community.

Confidentiality:

All information provided will remain strictly confidential.
Your responses will be anonymized, and no personal identifiers will be attached to the survey data.
Data will be securely stored, and only aggregate findings will be shared in any reports or publications.

Voluntary Participation:

Your participation is completely voluntary.
You are free to skip any question or withdraw from the study at any time without any negative consequences.

Contact Information:
If you have any questions about the study or your rights as a participant, please contact:

Wenqing Zhang
University of Minnesota Duluth
Email: wqzhang@d.umn.edu
Phone: 218-726-6276

To Contact Someone Outside of the Research Team:

This research has been reviewed and determined exempt by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is part of the Human Research Protections Program (HRPP). If there is an issue you would like to discuss with someone who is not on the research team, you are encouraged to call the HRPP Research Participants’ Advocate Line at 612-625-1650 (Toll Free: 1-888-224-8636) or go to z.umn.edu/participants. For example:

● Your questions, concerns, or complaints are not being answered by the research team.
● You are having difficulty reaching the research team.
● You want to talk to someone besides the research team.
● You have questions about your rights as a research participant.
● You want to provide feedback about this research to someone who is not on the study team.

You will be given a copy of this information to keep for your records.

Introduction

Thank you for taking the time to participate in our Milkweed Harvester Questionnaire. This survey aims to gather valuable insights from individuals involved in milkweed harvesting across Minnesota. Your responses will help us understand demographic trends, harvesting practices, training experiences, economic impacts, and the broader community and environmental benefits associated with milkweed harvesting. The information collected will play a crucial role in shaping future workshops, public awareness initiatives, and market development strategies under the Scalability of Milkweed Economy project.

Instructions for Completion

Voluntariness: Responding to the questions in this survey is voluntary. You may skip any questions that you do not want to answer or end the survey at any time
Answer Each Section: The survey is divided into sections covering demographic information, harvesting practices, training and knowledge, economic impact, community and environmental impact, market development, and additional comments.
Multiple Selections: Where appropriate, you may select all options that pertain to your situation or experience.
Open-Ended Responses: Share as much detail as you feel comfortable with in open-ended questions.
Confidentiality: Your responses are confidential and will only be used to inform the project’s future initiatives.

We appreciate your participation and valuable insights in this survey. Your feedback is essential in advancing sustainable milkweed harvesting practices and supporting local communities. Please proceed to complete the questionnaire on the following pages.

Section 1: Demographic Information

Location (Select your region in Minnesota):

Northwest Minnesota

Northeast Minnesota

Central Minnesota

South Central Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota

Southeast Minnesota

Twin Cities Metro Area

Other:

Age

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65 and older

Clear selection

How long have you been involved in milkweed harvesting?

Less than 1 year

1-3 years

4-6 years

More than 6 years

Clear selection

How do you identify your race/ethnicity? (Select all that apply)

Indigenous (please specify Tribe/community in next question)

Black or African American

Asian

Hispanic or Latino

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Other:

Clear selection

If you chose "Indigenous" above, please specify your Tribe or community:

Section 2: Harvesting Practices

How do you typically collect milkweed pods? (Select all that apply)

Manual collection by hand

Using specialized tools or equipment

In collaboration with a community group

Other:

Clear selection

On average, how much milkweed do you harvest in a typical season?
(Recognizing that in some years pods are more abundant and in others the season may be cut short by early frost or other factors, please estimate an average.)

Less than 10 pounds

10–20 pounds

26–50 pounds

51-75 pounds

76-100 pounds

101–150 pounds

151-200 pounds

More than 200 pounds

Clear selection

How much does your harvest typically vary due to seasonal conditions?

Little variation (about the same each year)

Moderate variation (sometimes much more or less)

Significant variation (harvest varies widely from year to year)

Clear selection

Have you noticed any changes in the availability of milkweed pods over the past several years?

Yes, I've noticed a significant decline.

Yes, I've noticed a slight decline.

No noticeable change.

I've noticed an increase.

Not sure / Haven’t paid attention.

Clear selection

How many members of your family are involved in milkweed harvesting?

Just me

1–2 family members

3–4 family members

More than 4 family members

Clear selection

How do you locate milkweed plants for harvesting?

I know locations from personal observation or past experience.

I rely on tips or guidance from community members, family, or friends.

I use mapping tools, apps, or other resources to identify suitable areas.

Other:

Clear selection

What steps do you take to gain access to the land where you harvest milkweed?

I own the land or have direct access to it.

I ask for permission from private landowners.

I use public lands where harvesting is permitted.

I work through partnerships or agreements with organizations or community groups.

Clear selection

Have you encountered any challenges related to land access or local/state regulations when harvesting milkweed pods?

If your answer is Yes, please select Other and describe any legal restrictions, trespass issues, difficulties with permissions, etc.

No, I have not experienced any challenges.

Other:

Clear selection

Are your motivations for harvesting primarily economic?

If your answer is No, please select Other and indicate your motivation for harvesting.

Definitely

Somewhat

Other:

Clear selection

Would you encourage more of your friends or family members to participate in milkweed harvesting?

Yes

Maybe

Clear selection

Aside from time and effort, do you incur any additional costs when picking milkweed pods?

If your answer is Yes, please select Other and specify your costs.

Other:

Clear selection

Section 3: Training and Knowledge

Have you received any formal or informal training on milkweed harvesting?

Yes

Clear selection

If your answer to the previous question is yes, what topics were covered in the training? (Select all that apply)

Harvest timing and best practices

Environmental sustainability

Safety procedures

Processing and storage methods

Other:

Which of the following resources or training opportunities would be helpful to you? (Select all that apply)

A guide or handout on local land laws, regulations, and permissions

An information handout to give landowners when asking permission

Best-practices training (formal or informal) on responsible harvesting

A certification or credential to show landowners or community partners

Other:

Section 4: Economic Impact

How do you primarily use the milkweed pods you collect? (Select all that apply)

Sell to a collection hub or processor

Use for personal or community projects

Donate to conservation or research initiatives

Other:

Which of the following economic benefits do you personally gain from milkweed harvesting? (Select all that apply)

Additional income

Job creation or supplemental work for you/others

Opportunities for entrepreneurship

Contribution to local sustainability efforts

Other:

What challenges do you face in selling or distributing the milkweed pods?
(Open-ended)

How far do you live from the nearest collection hub (where you sell or could sell pods)?

Less than 10 miles

10–25 miles

25–50 miles

More than 50 miles

I’m not sure / No hub nearby

Clear selection

Would it be beneficial for you if there were more collection hubs in your area?

Yes

Unsure

Clear selection

Are you aware of any other places or markets where you can sell your pods?

If your answer is Yes, please select Other and specify.

Other:

Clear selection

What is your expected or typical payment per pound of milkweed pods?
(Feel free to include a range, e.g., $0.80–$1.00/lb. Indicate if this changes in “hard” vs. “abundant” years.)

How much money have you made in a typical milkweed harvesting season?

Less than $20

$20–$40

$41–$60

$61–$80

$81–$100

$101–$150

$151–$200

$201–$300

$301–$400

$401–$500

$501–$1,000

More than $1,000

Clear selection

If the return on your milkweed harvesting dropped below a certain amount per pound, would you stop participating?

If your answer is Yes, please select Other and specify the minimum amount per pound.

Unsure

Other:

Clear selection

Section 5: Community and Environmental Impact

How has milkweed harvesting impacted your local community? (Select all that apply)

Created economic opportunities

Strengthened community bonds

Increased awareness of local ecosystems

Other:

What do you believe are the most significant environmental benefits of milkweed cultivation or harvesting?
(Open-ended; feel free to list any benefits you’re aware of, such as helping monarch butterflies.)

How do you ensure that your harvesting practices are environmentally sustainable?
(Open-ended)

Section 6: Market Development and Public Awareness

How familiar are you with the potential uses of milkweed in various industries?

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

Not familiar at all

Clear selection

What do you believe are the most promising markets or products that utilize milkweed?
(Open-ended)

How can public awareness about milkweed (its benefits, harvesting practices, etc.) be increased?
(Open-ended; for instance, classroom projects, social media, community workshops, etc.)

Are you interested in participating in future workshops or forums on milkweed harvesting and market development?

Yes

Maybe

Clear selection

Section 7: Additional Comments

Do you have any additional comments or suggestions regarding milkweed harvesting, processing, or the MEMN project?
(Open-ended)

Thank you for completing this questionnaire!

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