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Economic Instruments and Environmental Policy in Agriculture

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Listed:
  • Alfons Weersink
  • John R. Livernois
  • Jason F. Shogren
  • James S. Shortle

Abstract

Economic instruments can achieve environmental goals at least cost and provide incentives for further improvements. There are limited opportunities for the use of such instruments in agriculture where the pollution problems can be traced as in the case of intensive livestock operations. However, most environmental problems in agriculture involve a large number of diffuse pollution sources whose abatement practices are unobservable rendering it difficult to achieve cost-effetive pollution control with any single instrument. Rather than relying on firstbest solutions through economic instruments, the most effective way of dealing with diffusesource pollution problems in agriculture may be technological developments and business-led initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfons Weersink & John R. Livernois & Jason F. Shogren & James S. Shortle, 1998. "Economic Instruments and Environmental Policy in Agriculture," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 24(3), pages 309-327, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpp:issued:v:24:y:1998:i:3:p:309-327
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    References listed on IDEAS

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