EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT ON AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE TEXAS PANHANDLE

Abstract

Agricultural producers in the Texas High Plains are facing the worst comparative economic conditions since 1913. Under these circumstances it is desirable to evaluate which programs are beneficial to agricultural producers and which ones are not. The concept of Integrated Pest Management was introduced to the Texas High Plains in 1976 and since then many IPM practices have been adopted for the four major crops; corn, cotton, sorghum, and wheat. The reduction in production cost is used as a measure of economic benefit and contingent valuation is used to estimate the value of the environmental benefits. The IPM practices, which have been adopted, reduce the production cost by more than $173 million per year. In addition the practices reduce environmental cost, as estimated by contingent valuation, by more than$99 million per year. The total value of the economic and environmental benefits accruing to the Texas High Plains exceeds $272 million per year.Crop Production/Industries,