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Technology Adoption and Risk Preferences: The Case of Machine Harvesting by Southeastern Blueberry Producers

Author

Listed:
  • Rodgers, Aaron
  • Morgan, Kimberly L.
  • Harri, Ardian

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of producers’ risk preferences on the adoption of a new technology—machine harvesting—among blueberry producers in the Southeastern United States. Technology adoption literature assumes that risk aversion decreases the likelihood of adopting a new technology, but findings reveal that growers with higher levels of risk aversion are more likely to adopt machine harvesting. One explanation for this discrepancy is that we assume there are risks in both forms of harvest technology. The current patchwork or immigration policy and enforcement has made the availability of manual labor—the status quo technology—increasingly volatile.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodgers, Aaron & Morgan, Kimberly L. & Harri, Ardian, 2017. "Technology Adoption and Risk Preferences: The Case of Machine Harvesting by Southeastern Blueberry Producers," Journal of Food Distribution Research, Food Distribution Research Society, vol. 48(2), July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:jlofdr:274586
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.274586
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