PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF FOOD SAFETY

The results of a 1986 nationwide survey concerning public perceptions of agriculture are presented. Specifically, the paper reports on those questions having to do with food safety, nutrition, taste, and freshness, as well as the use of antibiotics in animal feed. An ordered probit model is used to analyze the socioeconomic factors that influenced the perceptions of respondents from the Southern region. While most respondents found food to be safer, more nutritious, and fresher than in previous times, most did not think food was better tasting. A majority were concerned about the health effects of antibiotics in animal feed.Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

THE STRUCTURE OF CITIZEN PREFERENCES FOR GOVERNMENT SOIL EROSION CONTROL PROGRAMS

The 1990 Farm Bill contains several measures concerning soil erosion caused by U.S. farmers. Data from a nationwide survey of people concerning their attitudes toward agriculture were used to examine the structure of respondents' preferences for government support-policies to combat soil erosion. Estimates of the influence of socio-economic and demographic variables on policy preferences were computed using a multiple-indicator model. Results show more support for the regulation of soil erosion, including laws and fines, than for government financial support.Agricultural and Food Policy,

MODELING PERENNIAL CROP SUPPLY: AN ILLUSTRATION FROM THE PECAN INDUSTRY

Two methodological approaches were applied to estimating the number of non-bearing trees in the absence of such date using data for the Southern USA pecan industry. The first approach distinguished between bearing and non-bearing phases of a tree life and directly estimated the number of non-bearing trees. The second focused on indirect estimating of the non-bearing tree number from changes in production. This approach relaxed the assumption of maintaining maximum yields for infinite period as used in earlier studies. Empirical applications used two data sets from the pecan industry. The comparison of empirical results suggested that the first method was more accurate than the alternative approach in predicting the number of newly planted trees over an extended period of time. Additional data collection will allow for further application of available methodology to the pecan industry.Non-bearing trees, Pecans, Tree crop, Tree yields, Volume produced, Demand and Price Analysis,

THE STRUCTURE OF FARMERS' PERCEPTIONS OF GROUND WATER POLLUTION

Data from a 1992 Georgia Farm Practices survey are used to examine the structure of farmers' perceptions of ground water pollution and their support of regulations to protect ground water. Estimates of the influence of farm and farmer characteristics on pollution perceptions and support for pollution control were computed using a multiple-indicator model. Results show that the willingness to change farm practices to protect ground water is positively related to how an operator perceives the seriousness of the pollution problem. Regulatory policies that negatively affect farmers' income are likely to be opposed by farmers.Factor analysis, Latent variable model, Water quality, Environmental Economics and Policy,

CONSUMER CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCING THE CONSUMPTION OF NUT-CONTAINING PRODUCTS

The study estimates the influence of consumer characteristics on the consumption of four nut-containing products, that is, the consumption of nuts as a snack, in salads, covered in chocolate, and in ice cream. Gender, age and education are among the characteristics that frequently influence nut consumption. Female, older, and non-white respondents consumed nuts as a snack more often than male, younger, and white consumers did. Chocolate-covered nut consumption was associated with higher income and rural consumers while nut-flavored ice cream was consumed more frequently by older rather than younger respondents and respondents from larger households.Consumer/Household Economics,

THE STRUCTURE OF CITIZEN PREFERENCES FOR GOVERNMENT SOIL EROSION CONTROL PROGRAMS

The 1990 Farm Bill contains several measures concerning soil erosion caused by U.S. farmers. Data from a nationwide survey of people concerning their attitudes toward agriculture were used to examine the structure of respondents' preferences for government support-policies to combat soil erosion. Estimates of the influence of socio-economic and demographic variables on policy preferences were computed using a multiple-indicator model. Results show more support for the regulation of soil erosion, including laws and fines, than for government financial support

Estimating the Willingness-to-Pay for Water in Georgia

In this paper, data from a 1992 telephone survey of Georgia residents were used to study people’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) for water as a commodity. A dichotomous contingent valuation method was employed to estimate the marginal scarcity rent of water. Results indicated that the average WTP was $15.10 above the current monthly water cost, or about 81 percent of current bills. The aggregate WTP for all of Georgia was estimated to be nearly$393 million, suggesting that water is underpriced

MODELING PERENNIAL CROP SUPPLY: AN ILLUSTRATION FROM THE PECAN INDUSTRY

Two methodological approaches were applied to estimating the number of non-bearing trees in the absence of such date using data for the Southern USA pecan industry. The first approach distinguished between bearing and non-bearing phases of a tree life and directly estimated the number of non-bearing trees. The second focused on indirect estimating of the non-bearing tree number from changes in production. This approach relaxed the assumption of maintaining maximum yields for infinite period as used in earlier studies. Empirical applications used two data sets from the pecan industry. The comparison of empirical results suggested that the first method was more accurate than the alternative approach in predicting the number of newly planted trees over an extended period of time. Additional data collection will allow for further application of available methodology to the pecan industry