Economie impacts of adoption of best management practices by crawfish producers: The role of the environmental quality incentives program

Abstract

This study investigates reasons for adoption of best management practices (BMP), crawfish farmers\u27 participation in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and economic impacts of BMP adoption using data from a 2008 survey of crawfish producers. Most-cited reasons for BMP adoption are farmers\u27 perceptions of increases in profit and long-run productivity. Land tenancy, education, double-cropping or crop rotation, and proximity to a stream influence EQIP participation. Perceptions of economic profits depend on the practices used. Participation in EQIP negatively impacts farmers\u27 perceptions of profitability from adopting BMPs. The results underscore the importance of economic incentives in promoting BMP adoption. Copyright 2012 Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association