Direct Marketing Local Foods: Differences in CSA and Farmers\u27 Market Consumers

This publication compares differences in consumer demographics, attitudes, and lifestyle measures between farmers’ market and CSA consumers based upon consumer surveys

Economic Feasibility of Solar Photovoltaic Irrigation System Use in Great Basin Forage Production

This publication evaluates the potential economic feasibility of using solar PV systems for irrigated forage production in the Great Basin

Direct Marketing Local Foods: Food Safety Considerations

This publication provides an overview of the food safety issues relevant to direct marketers of fresh and processed foods, as well as suggestions for establishing food safety controls and increasing consumer confidence in local products

Modeling the Impact of New Information on Consumer Preferences for Specialty Meat Products

As the demand for organic and natural food grows in the U.S., studies show that consumers would and do pay more for these foods than their traditional counterparts. However, the question remains as to whether consumers really understand the differences between organic and natural products versus common products. The USDA provides an official definition of organic, but there is no official definition or certification for natural products. The general lack of knowledge among consumers concerning organic and natural products can be misleading and hence, there is a need for a better understanding of how consumer pre-existing knowledge and new information regarding organic and natural products influences consumer purchasing behavior. In this study, we research the effect of providing consumers with information regarding organic and natural production processes in four separate stages on their willingness to pay (WTP) for various natural/organic meat products. Through the use of survey data collected in-person during the fall of 2007 Nevada, in which 597 surveys were completed, we examine the impact of consumer perceived knowledge of organic and natural grass-fed production processes on their WTP, whether or not new information/knowledge will modify their WTP, and the degree of modification across meat types and cuts. Meats examined vary from high-end to low-end cuts and across various meat types, such as pork and beef. The modeling will include a multinomial probit model to measure WTP and also consider the modeling issues that arise when updated preferences are included. The results of this study will be important for researchers looking to model updated consumer preferences. The purpose of our research is twofold. First, we wish to observe whether or not advertising and other promotional methods truly influence consumer demand and willingness to pay for these specialty meat products. These results will likely be important to the role of marketing and the way in which information is provided to consumers on organic and natural production methods and the potential positive effects of those methods. Additionally, the paper will show how consumers purchasing experiences and pre-existing knowledge might influence their reaction to the same information.Marketing,

Direct Marketing Local Food to Chefs: Chef Preferences and Perceived Obstacles

Increasing consumer preferences for locally produced foods, exhibited by the nationwide expansion of farmers markets, is likely to affect food-service establishments. This study used a mail and telephone survey to evaluate chefs’ preferences and attitudes towards purchasing locally produced foods for their restaurants. Results show that chefs are most concerned with food quality, taste, and freshness. Chefs of small gourmet, independently owned restaurants are more likely to purchase local foods. Gourmet chefs are more concerned with food-production practices and thus see the value of purchasing local foods. Lack of information was found to be the largest hurdle to purchasing local products, clearly demonstrating the need for additional information and product samples from local producers.Agribusiness, Marketing,

OPTIMAL WATERFOWL HUNTING MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR PRIVATE LANDOWNERS: A MINNESOTA CASE STUDY

A bio-economic model based upon waterfowl population, habitat, and hunting data in the state of Minnesota is used to examine the optimal management strategy of a waterfowl hunting enterprise on privately owned land. Various state sponsored incentive programs are then analyzed for their effect on hunting and waterfowl equilibrium levels, as well as the economic viability of the hunting enterprise. A waterfowl habitat and maintenance cost reimbursement incentive program is found to be the most effective at inducing additional hunting opportunities in Minnesota, while providing economic incentives for private landowners to actively manage their land.hunting enterprise, sustainable harvest, waterfowl, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Impacts of the Westernization of Food Preferences on Medical Costs in China

The dietary changes in China to include more meat, dairy, and processed foods, are commonly attributed in literature to income increases, urbanization, and the availability of western food products. As seen in other Asian countries, these new food habits may increase obesity, diabetes, and other degenerative diseases among the Chinese people. These new health concerns will likely have economic consequences in terms of productivity losses and increased health care costs. This paper uses a Tobit model to analyze the influence of household demographics and food consumption on household medical costs in China. Results show that dietary choice has a definite impact on medical costs for the 800 households sampled. A nationwide dietary educational campaign in China may be useful in dampening the societal costs of dietary choice.China, dietary patterns, medical expenditure, westernization, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Do Consumers Who Prefer Gluten-Free Also Prefer Organic?

This fact sheet summarizes results of an online survey that examined consumer preferences for labels on bread and cookies, focusing on the preferences for organic and gluten-free labels and how they relate to the consumer wheat/gluten intolerance/avoidance

Economics of Alternative Crop Production in Arid Regions

As water resources in arid regions decline, agricultural producers are encouraged to adopt water conserving strategies. The implementation of alternative low-water use crops is one option, but is it economically feasible? Data on current and alternative crops for this study include enterprise budgets, producer interviews, and field trials in Northwestern Nevada, USA. We use WinEPIC, a Windows-based version of the EPIC model, which synthesizes both agronomics and economics, to model yields and returns of alternative crop production under differing irrigation levels. Risk analysis or the distribution of net returns to alternative crop production is also examined. This study determined that there are alternative crops that could be feasibly substituted for alfalfa and reduce water use by at least one-half while providing net returns that meet or exceed returns from alfalfa and keep producers profitable in agriculturealternative crops, arid regions, economic feasibility, irrigation, WinEPIC,