Charles Sturt University associate lecturer in psychology Debra Metcalf is no stranger to the Functional Grains Centre but she’s embarked on a new challenge, beginning her PhD study of consumer perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours toward hemp foods.

I completed a Bachelor of Psychology at Charles Sturt in 2016, graduating with First Class Honours, before commencing work at the FGC on a joint project between GRDC and Charles Sturt titled ‘Expanding options for Australian sorghum’.

This was the market intelligence arm of the project, working with Professor Anthony Saliba. Consumer acceptance of Australian sorghum in China and India was evaluated, and the project was involved in product development for both China and India, as well as locally in Australia.

My PhD topic aligns with the work that I was doing at the FGC but this time the focus is on hemp foods. My research will examine consumer perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours toward hemp foods. This is important as hemp foods were only legalised in Australia in November 2017 and there may be particular stigmas associated with their consumption due to the close association they have with marijuana. Research in this area will ultimately benefit the hemp foods industry.