scholarly journals Conservation Reserve Program: Environmental Benefits Update

2007 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
LeRoy Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Conservation Reserve Program ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Forest Lands ◽  
National Environmental

This paper presents the methodology, assumptions, and data used to generate regional and national environmental benefit estimates of the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). It's assumed that, without the program, production and conservation practices on CRP lands would be the same as those used on surrounding lands. When range and forest lands are (are not) included as land-use options, 54 (71) percent of the CRP land would be in crop production—which is consistent with past analyses. Soil erosion would be 222 to 248 million tons per year—about 11 percent—higher than the current level. Benefits are estimated by applying environmental benefit models, estimated in previous analyses, to the CRP's estimated effect on erosion and wildlife habitat. Nationally, the CRP is estimated to provide $1.3 billion in annual benefits, which represents 75 to 80 percent of the program's cost. In seven of the 10 USDA Farm Production Regions, the CRP's environmental benefits exceed costs. Thus, reallocating acreage to these regions could increase net program benefits. However, because many benefits could not be estimated, one cannot conclude that regional and national benefits do not exceed costs.

Counting Fish: Environmental Benefits Calculation for Avoided Costs Analysis in Urban Water Use Efficiency Planning

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Shulte Joung ◽  
Mary Ann Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Conservation Programs ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Water Savings ◽  
Urban Water Use ◽  
Use Efficiency

This report documents a project undertaken for the California Urban Water Conservation Council to create a method to calculate water utility avoided costs and assign economic value to the environmental benefits of raw water savings as a result of implementing urban water conservation programs. It is assumed that water savings associated with implementation of conservation programs can be quantified and represented as a reduction in the demand for water from a particular set of supply sources. This demand reduction may in turn result in a change to the availability of an environmental benefit provided by that source. Environmental valuation, as it is applied here, is relatively new and there are numerous complications, ambiguities, data gaps and differences of opinion in the application of the methodology. For that reason, this report should be considered a pioneering effort to put together all the required elements in a single coherent framework.

scholarly journals Assessing the Retention Potential of Conservation Reserve Program Practices in Alabama

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Okwudili O. Onianwa ◽  
Gerald C. Wheelock ◽  
Mark R. Dubois ◽  
Sarah T. Warren
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Conservation Reserve Program ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Conservation Practice ◽  
Row Crop ◽  
Excess Production ◽  
Intended Use

Abstract Conservation reserve program (CRP) participants in Alabama were surveyed to determine the probable utilization of CRP acres should the contracts expire without opportunity for renewal. From over 9000 contracts established between 1986 and 1995, 594 contracts were randomly selected and surveyed for the study. Two hundred and fourteen surveys were completed and returned. Of these, 204 (34%) were usable. Results indicate that 90% of CRP tree acres would be retained in trees while nearly 60% of CRP grass acres would be converted to row crop production. In addition, there are no significant differences in the response between the minority and white participants with regard to the intended use of CRP acres. Therefore, for sustained mitigation of soil loss and reduction of excess production capacity, tree planting as a conservation practice choice should be advocated and encouraged. South. J. Appl. For. 23(2):83-87.

scholarly journals Barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Goldberger ◽  
Robert Emmet Jones ◽  
Carol A. Miles ◽  
Russell W. Wallace ◽  
Debra A. Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Biodegradable Plastic ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Specialty Crop ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Polyethylene Mulch

AbstractCommercial farmers have been using polyethylene plastic mulch since the 1950s. Despite the affordability and effectiveness of polyethylene mulch, the disposal process is financially and environmentally costly. Biodegradable plastic mulches, an ecologically sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch films, were introduced in the 1980s. Biodegradable plastic mulches can be tilled into the soil or composted at the end of the season, reducing the labor and environmental costs associated with plastic removal and disposal. However, research results are mixed as to the effectiveness, degradability and ease-of-use of biodegradable plastic mulches. In 2008–2012, researchers, funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, conducted surveys and focus groups in three different agricultural regions of the USA to better understand the barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for specialty crop production systems. Data on the experiences and views of specialty crop growers, agricultural extension agents, agricultural input suppliers, mulch manufacturers and other stakeholders showed that the major adoption barriers were insufficient knowledge, high cost and unpredictable breakdown. The major bridges to adoption were reduced waste, environmental benefits and interest in further learning. These findings are discussed with reference to the classic innovation diffusion model, specifically work on the innovation–decision process and the attributes of innovations. The study results can be used to guide the activities of those involved in the design, development and promotion of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production systems.

scholarly journals Economic Feasibility of Solar Irrigation Pumps: A Study of Northern Bangladesh

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Md. Tawhidul Islam ◽  
Md. Elias Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Service Model ◽  
The Government

Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world. With a total population of around 165 million, the country has constantly been facing food security challenges and other problems. Therefore, increasing food production is one of the feasible solutions to this challenge, and proper agricultural land use for food production bears critical importance. Adopting sustainable irrigation systems and viable technologies would be vital for ensuring efficient use of agricultural land in Bangladesh to safeguard the country's food security. Solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) can be a reliable option in this regard. However, Bangladesh has experienced a prolonged growth rate of SIP installation in the last decade.  The countryhas set a target to install 10000 SIPs by the year 2027, albeit it is a tiny share of the 1.57 million conventional irrigation pumps operating in the country. This study aims to investigate the economic feasibility of the SIPs operating in the northern region of Bangladesh in terms of estimating financial feasibility and environmental benefits. The study is mainly based on primary data collected from the users of SIPs from two Upazilas of Dinajpur and Rangpur districts. A total of 14 SIPs, categorized into large, medium, and small pumps, are selected randomly from the available SIPs in the study areas. The financial analysis reveals that small SIPs are the most profitable option (20% IRR) for investment. Large SIPs are moderately profitable (10% IRR), and their profitability can be improved (10.50% IRR) by introducing additional uses of solar energy. However, medium SIPs are the worst (5% IRR) option for investment. In the study areas, large and medium SIPs are designed for the 'fees for service model', and small SIPs are designed for the 'fees for ownership model'. It is found that the 'fees for ownership model' is more profitable than the 'fees for service model'. Moreover, the net environmental benefit for all SIPs is found almost equal to the given subsidy for installing them. Also, the net environmental benefit per kilowatt peak (kWp) is highest for the small SIPs. This paper recommends that additional use (e.g., husking, grinding, supply excess electricity to grid, and so on) of solar energy can improve the profitability of investmenton SIPs. Further, the government should continue giving grants for installing SIPs and promote 'fees for ownership model' (small SIPs) for personal use. It would speed up the dissemination rate of SIPs and help increase the country's agricultural production and improve the environmental conditions.

scholarly journals Agriculture at a Crossroads: Ensuring Conservation and Income Support in the Farm Bill

2002 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Amy Fredregill
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Policy Analysis ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Income Support ◽  
Policy Options ◽  
Farm Bill ◽  
Policy Alternatives

While most farmers take steps to enhance natural resources, times of low prices and high costs may create difficulties for farmers who wish to spend resources on agriculture conservation. Consequently, farming can have a harmful effect on natural resources. Because many farmers rely on income support payments, and most income programs do not require farmers to utilize environmental conservation practices, environmental degradation continues. To ensure adequate protection of water quality, soil quality and wildlife habitat, and to provide income support for farms of all sizes, politically feasible legislation is needed to link income payments with conservation practices. This article follows the outline of atraditional policy analysis to examine four policy options for the farm bill the Conservation Security Program (CSP), Flex Fallow, the Conservation Reserve Program, and conservation easements. The options range from conservative to liberal, with differing environmental and income impacts. Policy options for achieving these goals were judged using the following criteria: effectiveness in achieving conservation goals,' effectiveness in supporting farmer income,' political feasibility,' and strength of the linkage between conservation practices and income payments. Based on this analysis, CSP is the best option for the farm bill, because it is a compromise approach to achieving the goals of this analysis. This evaluation is presented as a policy analysis in order to provide a systematic technique for identifying solutions to current farm policy problems. The elements of a policy analysis traditionally include formulating a problem, identifying policy alternatives, forecasting the future, modeling the impacts of alternatives, and comparing and ranking the policy alternatives.

scholarly journals A Carrot-and-Stick Approach to Environmental Improvement: Marrying Agri-Environmental Payments and Water Quality Regulations

2004 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Johansson ◽  
Jonathan D. Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Simulation Analysis ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Animal Feeding Operations ◽  
Poultry Products ◽  
Water Quality Regulations ◽  
Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Agri-environmental programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, provide payments to livestock and crop producers to generate broadly defined environmental benefits and to help them comply with federal water quality regulations, such as those that require manure nutrients generated on large animal feeding operations to be spread on cropland at no greater than agronomic rates. We couch these policy options in terms of agri-environmental “carrots” and regulatory “sticks,” respectively. The U.S. agricultural sector is likely to respond to these policies in a variety of ways. Simulation analysis suggests that meeting nutrient standards would result in decreased levels of animal production, increased prices for livestock and poultry products, increased levels of crop production, and water quality improvements. However, estimated impacts are not homogeneous across regions. In regions with relatively less cropland per ton of manure produced, the impacts of these policies are more pronounced.

scholarly journals Risk-Adjusted Comparison of Conservation Reserve Program Payments Versus Production Payments for a Corn-Soybean Farmer

2004 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 425-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Ibendahl
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Simulation Analysis ◽  
Conservation Reserve Program ◽  
Farm Bill ◽  
Certainty Equivalents

Conservation reserve program (CRP) payments amount to several billion dollars annually. Payments are allocated to both remove land from production and to help farmers pay for conservation improvements. However, research examining whether farmers increase their utility with CRPs is limited. This paper uses simulation analysis and certainty equivalents to compare farming income to payments under the CRP. Farming income is a combination of crop production and government payments as specified in the 2002 Farm Bill. This analysis focuses on farms in three different counties in Kentucky. Results indicate that CRPs are good choices for many farmers.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Willingness to Pay for Using Recycled Water for Irrigation

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 5220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitra Lazaridou ◽  
Anastasios Michailidis ◽  
Konstantinos Mattas
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Contingent Valuation Method ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Irrigated Agriculture ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Recycled Water ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
Alternative Water

The present study attempts to estimate individuals’ willingness to pay for recycled water irrigation, in order to enhance the water supply and ensure the continuation of irrigated agriculture in Nestos catchment. Contingent valuation method has been developed for the investigation of farmers’ preferences, in monetary terms, to adopt this alternative water source for irrigation purposes. The applied method is regularly followed in the framework of environmental valuation. The results of the survey are based on data collected from questionnaires, which were answered by respondents at a river basin scale. In a representative sample of 302 farmers, we find that 64.2% of them expressed a positive stance towards using recycled water, a fact that results in lower environmental impacts. However, findings indicate that participants are willing to pay a significantly less amount of money than they already pay, for freshwater. Additionally, the analysis demonstrates that the use of recycled water in agriculture is more acceptable to respondents who are aware of its environmental benefits. Therefore, the provision of complete information on the welfare of using recycled water for irrigation to farmers may lead to greater adoption intention and a greater environmental benefit.

scholarly journals Economic, Agronomic, and Environmental Benefits From the Adoption of Precision Agriculture Technologies

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Koutsos ◽  
Georgios Menexes
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Modern Agriculture ◽  
Technology Innovations ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Farming Efficiency ◽  
Lower Production

Precision agriculture (PA) as an integrated information- and production-based farming system is designed to delivery high-end technology solutions to increase farm production efficiency and profitability while minimizing environmental impacts on the ecosystems and the environment. PA technologies are technology innovations that incorporate recent advances in modern agriculture providing evidence for lower production costs, increased farming efficiency and reduced impacts. However, the adoption of the precision agriculture technologies has encountered difficulties such as additional application or management costs and investment on new equipment and trained employees. Some of these PA technologies were proven efficient, providing tangible benefits with lower costs and as a result they quickly gained scientific interest. To investigate further the economic, agronomic, and environmental benefits from the adoption of PA technologies a systematic review was conducted, based on the systematic search and evaluation of related eligible articles.

scholarly journals A Qualitative Choice Analysis of Factors Influencing Post-CRP Land Use Decisions

1997 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip N. Johnson ◽  
Sukant K. Misra ◽  
R. Terry Ervin
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Policy ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Choice Model ◽  
Conservation Reserve Program ◽  
Policy Issue ◽  
High Plains ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Land Use Decisions ◽  
Texas High Plains ◽  
Choice Analysis

AbstractThe future use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands is an important agricultural policy issue. To examine the effects of factors that influence landowners' post-contract use of CRP lands, a survey of Texas High Plains CRP contract holders was conducted in 1992. This study analyzes the results of the survey using a qualitative choice model. It was found that the presence of a livestock enterprise in the current contract holder's operation increases the probability of these acres remaining in the established cover. Contract holders who value the commodity base have an increased probability of returning their acres to crop production.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document