The dichotomy between perceptions of the acceptability of risk associated with genetically modified (GM) foods and willingness to consume GM foods is investigated. Results indicate that some consumers are willing to consume GM foods even though they may perceive such foods as somewhat unsafe,...

Selenium is an element found in relatively high concentrations in crops and livestock raised on high-selenium soils located in North and South Dakota. Evidence suggests that a high-selenium diet such as would be obtained from consuming these products can reduce the risk of certain cancers. The...

Variety release decisions involve a number of tradeoffs, usually between grower and end-user characteristics as well as significant uncertainties about agronomic, quality, and economic variables. In this study, methodologies were developed to value tradeoffs for grower and end-user...

Price risk management problems confronting grain processors differ somewhat from conventional motives for hedging. There are two components of this problem that are addressed in this study. One is the competitive characteristics of the processing sector, the structure and conduct of which...

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), commonly known as scab, has been a severe problem for wheat and barley producers since 1993. This study provides an update of economic losses suffered by wheat and barley producers in scab-affected regions in the United States. Emphasis is placed on estimating direct...

This paper assesses the impact of mandatory Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulation on output price for small meat processors and packers and evaluates implications for firm-level profitability. The importance of HACCP regulation and pricing is an issue that deserves...

This study uses firm-level data during the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) implementation period (1997 - 2000) to analyze the impact of HACCP on input demand and output supply elasticities of firms in the red meat industry and derive implications for efficiency and moral hazard...

Concerns regarding the safety and integrity of the fresh produce supply chain are becoming all too common in the media. In 2006, an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 from farms in Central California sickened almost two hundred people and lead to the deaths of three. Estimated costs to the industry...

Introduction: This report provides an overview of the important factors affecting investments in agricultural value-added ventures. The introductory section outlines current research on factors important in the location of economic activity. Research applied to specific agricultural value-added...

"As farms increase in size, operators face the decision of remaining loyal to local retail merchants or obtaining volume discounts from distant wholesale input suppliers. When farmers bypass local merchants and buy inputs in volume, they often realize price discounts but forego many services...