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Willingness to Pay for Agricultural Soil Quality Protection and Improvement

Author

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  • Francisco José Areal

    (Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
    School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, P.O. Box 237, Reading RG6 6AR, UK
    School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

Abstract

Understanding and estimating the economic value that society places on agricultural soil quality protection and improvement can guide the development of policies aimed at mitigating pollution, promoting conservation, or incentivizing sustainable land management practices. We estimate the general public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for agricultural soil quality protection and improvement in Spain (n = 1000) and the UK (n = 984) using data from a cross-sectional survey via Qualtrics panels in March–April 2021. We use a double-bound dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach to elicit the individuals’ WTP. We investigate the effect of uncertainty on the success of policies aiming at achieving soil protection. In addition, to understand the heterogeneity in individuals’ WTP for agricultural soil quality protection and improvement, we model individuals’ WTP through individuals’ awareness and attitudes toward agricultural soil quality protection and the environment; trust in institutions; risk and time preferences; pro-social behavior; and socio-demographics in Spain and the UK. We found that there is significant public support for agricultural soil quality protection and improvement in Spain and the UK. We also found that the support does not vary significantly under uncertainty of success of policies aiming at achieving soil protection. However, the individual’s reasons for supporting agricultural soil quality protection and improvement are found to depend on the level of uncertainty and country. Hence, promoting public support for soil protection needs to be tailored according to the level of the general public’s perceived uncertainty and geographic location.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco José Areal, 2024. "Willingness to Pay for Agricultural Soil Quality Protection and Improvement," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:8:p:1118-:d:1441127
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    References listed on IDEAS

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