THE IMPACT OF LOCAL LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS ON THE OFF-FARM EARNINGS OF FARM OPERATORS

Local labor market characteristics are theoretically relevant to the determination of off-farm earnings of farm operators, but the empirical analysis of these effects has been hindered by a lack of appropriate data. This study employs the new census public use micro-data sample, PUMS-D, to investigate the effect of local labor market characteristics on off-farm earnings of farm operators. The PUMS-D data allow local characteristics to be defined on a labor market area basis, rather than on a political boundary basis. For a sample of Georgia farm operators, local labor market size, unemployment rates, and industrial structure were found to have significant impacts on off-farm employment and earnings.Labor and Human Capital,

ON- AND OFF-FARM DIVERSIFICATION

The present paper brings together two strands of literature by analysing the interrelationship between on-farm and off-farm diversification econometrically. Estimation results from simultaneous bivariate probit models suggest that on-farm and off-farm diversification decisions are closely related. The degree of diversification is significantly lower for farms where the farm operator works off-the farm. On the other hand, the probability of entering into the off-farm labour market declines with the degree of diversification in farm production.Farm Management,

TAX INCENTIVES: AN EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES?

As national and local economies become more globalized, many rural areas are going to find it more difficult to compete for private capital investments. A traditional tool, modifications to tax policy, of state and local governments will not be as effective (for many communities it has never been effective) in the future. These communities will need to seek other avenues of growth. However, for many rural communities even alternative avenues will not lead to enhanced economic opportunity.agglomeration, rural development, tax policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, R51, R58, O21, O23, R11, R38,

Acceptability of Videoconference Technology for the Delivery of Continuing Education to Rural Pharmacists

Videoconference technology is a valuable tool for the delivery of carefully structured CE sessions in rural and remote areas with an appropriate information technology infrastructure