This research estimates the annual economic impact of the fire ant on key urban sectors in Texas. A study was conducted in 1998-1999 in the 5 metroplexes of Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston to estimate the costs of controlling and managing fire ants (Lard, et al). This study...

The imported fire ant has become a major economic pest to various sectors of the Texas economy. In order to determine the economic impact of this pest on selected urban areas, an economic study was conducted in 1998-1999 in the 5 metroplexes of Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston...

The Marketing Order for California almonds was amended in 2007 to enhance food safety. Around 400-500 million pounds of almonds undergo an added step in processing to reduce risk of salmonella contamination. This paper reports on the logistics necessary for implementing the program. We use a...

The Almond Board of California proposed to require that all almonds shipped from California handlers be treated to achieve a 4-log reduction in the pathogen that leads to salmonellosis. The Assurance program is expected to add several million dollars to transactions costs in the almond marketing...