Insights

Greene Economics’ Washington shellfish fee assessment reviewed commercial license fees and biotoxin testing costs. The study recommends adopting the PFCR license fee proposal while removing biotoxin testing costs and funding testing separately as a public good (~$674,000 annually from GFS). This preserves small producer viability, protects public health, and maintains the industry’s diverse character, with additional recommendations for lower-cost testing, inflation adjustmen

Washington’s hemp industry is shrinking—but it could be key to building a greener future. A new feasibility study by Greene Economics for WSDA explores how industrial hemp could support sustainable construction, rural job growth, and climate goals. The report outlines major barriers, models potential economic impacts, and offers strategic recommendations to help Washington’s hemp sector unlock its full potential—if policy and investment align.

Greene Economics led a strategic evaluation for Washington DNR to explore how ecosystem service markets—like carbon offsets, water leasing, and wildfire resilience—can support climate goals and generate new revenue from state trust lands. The resulting roadmap offers DNR a practical framework to assess future opportunities.

What role could industrial hemp play in solving Washington’s housing and climate challenges? James Kunetz of Greene Economics shares takeaways from the Goodness of Hemp Summit and early research findings from our work with WSDA on sustainable building materials, industry barriers, and opportunities to grow the hemp supply chain in Washington State.