VDM Kandeh, S: Farmers' Decision Making Criteria

In an age of rapid technological developments and increasing public awareness of the environmental impacts of farming, the pressure on farmers in the United States to make production decisions that will protect natural resources is mounting. Yet, the combined forces of the treadmill of production and the stewardship model of farming continue to put at risk soil and water resources. In this complex farming environment, an understanding of why farmers make business-oriented production decisions would benefit conservation policies while sustaining entrepreneurial interests in the economic viability of the farming enterprise. This book provides research insights into why farmers make production decisions and identifies factors that might promote adoption of conservation technologies while meeting the dual goals of farm profitability and resource conservation. It was written purposefully with the farm policy maker and researcher in mind by providing in-depth coverage of theoretical modeling and methodological issues to enrich further research and inform future conservation policy initiatives. It also serves as stimulating reading for people interested in commercial farming issues.