Kandeh, S: Farmers' Decision Making Criteria

In an age of rapid technological developments andincreasing public awareness of the environmentalimpacts of farming, the pressure on farmers in theUnited States to make production decisions that willprotect natural resources is mounting. Yet, thecombined forces of the treadmill of production andthe stewardship model of farming continue to put atrisk soil and water resources. In this complexfarming environment, an understanding of why farmersmake business-oriented production decisions wouldbenefit conservation policies while sustainingentrepreneurial interests in the economic viabilityof the farming enterprise. This book providesresearch insights into why farmers make productiondecisions and identifies factors that might promoteadoption of conservation technologies while meetingthe dual goals of farm profitability and resourceconservation. It was written purposefully with thefarm policy maker and researcher in mind by providingin-depth coverage of theoretical modeling andmethodological issues to enrich further research andinform future conservation policy initiatives. Italso serves as stimulating reading for peopleinterested in commercial farming issues.