Factors Affecting the Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops by Young and Beginning U.S. Farmers and Ranchers

Abstract

The comprehensive set of programs in the 2008 Farm Bill designed to support Young and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers (YBFR), combined with a substantial amount of resources allocated to each of these programs, can be viewed as an investment in ensuring the future sustainability of the U.S. agriculture system. Understanding the factors that influence YBFR to adopt technology will become increasingly important if YBFR are to succeed. Of particular interest is why YBFR adopt Bt corn, Bt cotton, and HT soybeans. Results conform to a majority of our a priori expectations; YBFRs are more likely to adopt GM crops if they are not a full owner of the farm operation, as sales of the farm operation grow, if the crop is important to their region, and as they become more risk averse.Agricultural and Food Policy,