In my first essay I report results from an analysis where representative methodsof estimation from the Classical and Bayesian approaches to statistical inference areempirically compared. The chosen Classical methods are based on Least Squares andMaximum Likelihood and the chosen Bayesian method...

Motivated by the problem of deer overabundance in many areas of the United States, this thesis investigates innovative incentive-compatible policy options to address the problem. Economists view deer populations as a renewable resource, a composite asset that provides both benefits and costs to...

The study examines the economic potential of an algal biodiesel industry in the US using a simulation-based partial equilibrium modeling approach. Different scenarios are constructed under various assumptions, and the price, cost, and demand and supply structure of the algal biodiesel industry...

This research focused on some of the major consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and their effect on the Ukrainian economy. Specifically, it focused on the indirect longer-term impacts of the Chernobyl accident on every major sector of the economy. These impacts included changes in the...

This study analyzed a pilot insurance program for pastures, rangeland, and forage called Rainfall Index (RI-PRF). It is designed as a risk management tool to insure against declines in the accumulated rainfall index within a geographic grid. Although conceptually RI is an easy to understand risk...

Motivated by several contemporary problems existing in U.S. agriculture, this thesis investigates three particular issues concerning different aspects of agricultural contracting between growers and processors. Specifically, the first essay investigates the relationship between the use of...

The efficiency measurement literature has been almost exclusively based on a static view of the firm. In this static context the optimality of decisions is measured against the best practice frontier in a period-by-period basis and without any connection along time. This dissertation departs...

This dissertation consists of three essays in the field of environmental economics. The essays address issues in the economics of environmental investments under uncertainty, adaptation to climate change, and information in environmental management. The unifying theme across the three essays is...

Global trade system is witnessing an unprecedented increase in food safety and quality standards. Changes in the structure of the world trade affect the welfare of farmers and consumers, destinations of exports, and the dynamics behind the exporters compliance decisions with these non-tariff...

The objective of this study is to determine factors influencing the Best Management Practice (BMP) adoption decisions of farmers within 17 counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Specifically, the land-based characteristics of adoption are analyzed along with the spatial distribution of BMP...