WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS: THE CASE OF PRECISION APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

By: Hite, Diane; Hudson, Darren; Intarapapong, Walaiporn
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Hite, Diane; Hudson, Darren; Intarapapong, Walaiporn, WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS: THE CASE OF PRECISION APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY, Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Volume 27, Issue 2, December 2002, Pages 433-449

A contingent valuation survey conducted in Mississippi is used to assess public willingness to pay for reductions in agricultural nonpoint pollution. The analysis focuses on implementation of a policy to provide farmers with precision application equipment to reduce nutrient runoff. Findings suggest public support exists for such policies. This study also finds that inclusion of debriefing questions can be used to refine willingness-to-pay estimates in contingent valuation studies. A nonparametric scope test suggests respondents are sensitive to level of runoff reduction and associated water-quality benefits.