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Conjoint Analysis of Farmers’ Response to Conservation Incentives

Author

Listed:
  • David Conner

    (Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • Jennifer Miller

    (Rutland Area Food and Farm Link, Rutland, VT 05701, USA)

  • Asim Zia

    (Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • Qingbin Wang

    (Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA)

  • Heather Darby

    (University of Vermont Extension, Saint Albans, VT 05478, USA)

Abstract

Environmental degradation threatens the long term resiliency of the US food and farming system. While USDA has provided conservation incentives for the adoption of best management practices (BMPs), only a small percentage of farms have participated in such conservation programs. This study uses conjoint analysis to examine Vermont farmers’ underlying preferences and willingness-to-accept (WTA) incentives for three common BMPs. Based on the results of this survey, we hypothesize that federal cost share programs’ payments are below preferred incentive levels and that less familiar and more complex BMPs require a higher payment. Our implications focus on strategies to test these hypotheses and align incentive payments and other non-monetary options to increase BMP adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • David Conner & Jennifer Miller & Asim Zia & Qingbin Wang & Heather Darby, 2016. "Conjoint Analysis of Farmers’ Response to Conservation Incentives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:7:p:684-:d:74133
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Del Rossi, Gemma & Hecht, Jory S. & Zia, Asim, 2021. "A mixed-methods analysis for improving farmer participation in agri-environmental payments for ecosystem services in Vermont, USA," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 47(C).
    2. Jayalath, Tharaka A. & Grala, Robert K. & Grado, Stephen C. & Evans, David L., 2021. "Increasing provision of ecosystem services through participation in a conservation program," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 50(C).
    3. Kathage, Jonas & Smit, Bert & Janssens, Bas & Haagsma, Wiepie & Adrados, Jose Luis, 2022. "How much is policy driving the adoption of cover crops? Evidence from four EU regions," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).

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