http://ageconsearch.umn.edu The DSpace digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. Search the Channel search http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/simple-search http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42899 Title: Thrifty Food Plan, 2006 <br/> <br/>Authors: Carlson, Andrea; Lino, Mark; Juan, WenYen; Hanson, Kenneth; Basiotis, P. Peter <br/> <br/>Abstract: The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), a fundamental part of the U.S. food guidance system and the basis for maximum food stamp allotments, has been revised by USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), with assistance from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Economic Research Service (ERS), and Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The TFP provides a representative healthful and minimal cost meal plan that shows how a nutritious diet may be achieved with limited resources. The Plan assumes that all purchased food is consumed at home. The TFP was last revised in 1999. The newly revised (2006) TFP differs from, and improves upon, the previous TFP in a number of ways. The 2006 TFP: • Is based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as well as the 2005 MyPyramid Food Guidance System. • Uses the prices low-income people paid for many foods. • Uses the latest data on food consumption, nutrient content, and food prices: the 2001- 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and 2001-2002 Food Price Database. • Offers a more realistic reflection of the time available for food preparation, especially with increased expectations for work in assistance programs. Hence, it allows more prepared foods and requires somewhat fewer preparations from scratch. Although different from the previous TFP, the revised TFP is similar in one important respect: It is set at the same inflation-adjusted cost as the previous TFP. CNPP determined it was possible, for the 2001-2002 period, to obtain a healthful diet meeting current nutritional standards at a cost equal to the previous TFP’s cost. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42898 Title: Factors Influencing the Adoption of Breeding Technologies in U.S. Hog Production <br/> <br/>Authors: Gillespie, Jeffrey M.; Davis, Christopher G.; Rahelizatovo, Noro C. <br/> <br/>Abstract: An important aspect of structural change in the U.S. hog industry has been the adoption of breeding technology. The adoption of each of four breeding technologies, weekly farrowing, intensive breeding, terminal crossbreeding, and artificial insemination, in U.S. hog production is analyzed using multivariate probit analysis. Results suggest that diversification, whether the producer raised breeding stock, debt and asset levels, and producer’s education influence adoption rate. Larger, more risk-averse producers were more likely to adopt technology. Producers who rated the quality of labor available as higher were more likely to adopt management-intensive technologies. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42897 Title: Turning on the Lights: A Meta-Analysis of Residential Electricity Demand Elasticities <br/> <br/>Authors: Espey, James A.; Espey, Molly <br/> <br/>Abstract: Meta-analysis us used to quantitatively summarize previous studies of residential electricity demand to determine if there are factors that systematically affect estimated elasticities. In this study, price and income elasticities of residential demand for electricity from previous studies are used as the dependent variables, with data characteristics, model structure, and estimation technique as independent variables, using both least square estimation of a semilog and maximum likelihood estimation of a gamma model. The findings of this research can help better inform public policy makers, regulators, and utilities about the responsiveness of residential electricity consumers to price and income changes. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42896 Title: Dynamic Relationships Among U.S. Wheat-Related Markets: Applying Directed Acyclic Graphs to a Time Series Model <br/> <br/>Authors: Babula, Ronald A.; Bessler, David A.; Payne, Warren S. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Using advanced methods of directed acyclic graphs with Bernanke structural vector autoregression models, this article extends recent econometric research on quarterly U.S. markets for wheat and wheat-based value-added products downstream. Analyses of impulse response simulations and forecast error variance decompositions provide updated estimates of market elasticity parameters that drive these markets, and updated policy-relevant information on how these quarterly markets run and dynamically interact. Results suggest that movements in wheat and downstream wheat-based markets strongly influence each other, although most of these effects occur at the longer-run horizons beyond a single crop cycle. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42895 Title: Global Demand for U.S. Environmental Goods and Services <br/> <br/>Authors: Avery, Brock; Boadu, Fred O. <br/> <br/>Abstract: This paper reports import demand elasticities for environmental goods and services (EGS) for the world in aggregate and for six world regions. The paper involves a pooled cross-section and time-series estimation procedure and makes per capita demand for EGS a function of economic, political, and structural factors. The results show that per capita incomes, exchange rates, political and economic freedoms, and debt affect the demand for EGS. The results also show that demand for EGS is tied to the particular environmental problem facing a particular region. Exporters of EGS need to disaggregate world markets to better target products. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42894 Title: Market Valuation of Preconditioning Feeder Calves <br/> <br/>Authors: Avent, R. Keith; Ward, Clement E.; Lalman, David L. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Preconditioning calf programs, while not new, are becoming more prevalent. They provide benefits to cow-calf producers while adding value for feeder cattle buyers. However, questions remain regarding the economic costs and returns of such programs. A model was estimated with data from three consecutive-day sales, to determine the value that buyers place on preconditioning programs and related feeder cattle traits. Our results indicate that price premiums, although evident, appear to be insufficient by themselves to cover the marginal costs of preconditioning. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42891 Title: Commercio elettronico per la dinamica delle catene agro-alimentari internazionali: un’analisi del potenziale <br/> <br/>Authors: Fritz, Melanie; Canavari, Maurizio; Cantore, Nicola; Deiters, Jivka; Pignatti, Erika <br/> <br/>Abstract: Business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce is an innovative use of information and communication technologies and refers to the exchange of goods and related information between companies supported by Internet-based tools such as electronic marketplaces (also called electronic trade platforms) or online shops. It provides opportunities for cost-efficiency in supply chain management processes and access to new markets. With regard to the food sector with its chain levels input – agriculture – industry – retail – consumer, B2B e-commerce would take place in the exchange of food products between all levels except retail to consumer (business-to-consumer e-commerce). It is evident and widely known that B2B e-commerce brings key advantages and potentials for European consumers and the European food sector: - The affordability of high quality, traceable food for European consumers is supported as the innovation potentials from e-commerce technologies for cost-efficient processes along the food chain. The healthy choice of quality food will become the easy and affordable choice for European consumers. - The competitiveness of the European food sector with the majority of SMEs increases as B2B e-commerce technologies support cost-efficient transaction processes in food supply chains. In recent years, the availability of sophisticated B2B e-commerce technology has improved tremendously. The “European e-Business Market Watch” initiative from the Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry from the European Commission has shown that only large multinationals exploit the potentials of B2B e-commerce in the food sector for their supply chain management with their business partners. SMEs however, which create the majority of turn over in the European food sector and therefore create jobs and welfare in Europe, are reluctant to take up existing B2B e-commerce technologies into their food supply of selling. The crucial barrier to adoption is that trust between companies is not mediated appropriately by existing e-commerce technology. Currently, the barrier for food sector SMEs towards B2B e-commerce come from - the difficulty to examine the quality and safety of food products. This refers to all kinds of transactions in the food sector, whether supported by e-commerce or not. However, when it comes to e-commerce, the difficulty of physical product examination plays a much larger role as physical product inspection is not possible; - the (perceived) risk of performing a transaction via e-commerce. This includes concerns regarding secure transfer of data, or the possibly unknown transaction partner. Elements for the generation of trust between companies in the food chain and therefore of trustworthy B2B e-commerce environments for the food sector include guaranties regarding food quality, multimedia food product presentations to signal their quality, secure e-commerce technology infrastructures, third-party quality signs to be provided. As trust is highly subjective and depends on culture, food chains in different European countries with a different cultural background require different combinations of trust generating elements regarding the quality and safety of food. Different food chain scenarios with their transaction processes and risks regarding food quality and food safety and related trust elements need to be analysed and differences in trust in different European food chains need to be considered. It is the objective of this paper to identify food chains with trans-European cross-border exchange of food and international food chains in order to analyse the transaction processes and typical risks regarding food quality and food safety. The analysis focuses on trans-European cross-border and international food chains with their chain levels (e.g. production to wholesale trade, wholesale trade to industry, or wholesale trade to retail). In particular, it regards the food categories meat, grains, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits and the particular risks regarding food quality and safety along the chains. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42890 Title: Nuove dinamiche nel commercio dei prodotti agroalimentari: resistenze all’adozione dell’e-commerce nelle relazioni B2B <br/> <br/>Authors: Pignatti, Erika; Canavari, Maurizio; Spadoni, Roberta <br/> <br/>Abstract: Since some decades, agri-food products exchanges can be carried on using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. Anyway, their adoption in the agri-food sector appears to be hindered, both because of consolidated dynamics in developing B2B transactions, and of the peculiarities of the agri-food products themselves. The lack of direct relationships between partner heighten problems connected with food safety assessments, and with the definition of standardized production practices able to match business partner’ needs. Standardization is the key point in the relationship between e-commerce and agri-food sector. As for some products it is possible to define standardized requirements, it is hard to find a collocation for the wide range of agri-food differentiated and quality products in e-commerce B2B relationships. Moreover, existing e-marketplaces are not always able to convey properly the degree of differentiation and the peculiarities of agri-food products. The study aims at analyzing the barriers connected with the adoption of e-commerce in B2B relationships in agri-food sector, defining the factors which affect the interaction between the two areas. The attitude towards e-commerce showed by potential ICT tools users, chosen between Italian agri-food operators, has been analyzed; moreover, an overview on the evolution of agri-food e-marketplaces in the last 5 years has been carried on. The results describe the main problems concerning the adoption of e-commerce in agri-food sector, deeply connected with the agri-food products specifics. In spite of positive outcomes about efficiency and transactions for standardized products, the interaction between ICT tools and agri-food sector’s needs becomes problematic in case of high quality levels and differentiation, which can’t be properly conveyed by e-marketplaces. Results also highlight the role of trust and reputation in e-environments. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42889 Title: Indagine esplorativa dell’atteggiamento dei consumatori europei verso riso e tapioca biologici importati dalla Tailandia <br/> <br/>Authors: Canavari, Maurizio; Lombardi, Pamela; Riedel, Bettina; Spadoni, Roberta <br/> <br/>Abstract: This paper deals with the introduction and promotion of innovative and differentiating products in distribution places geographically far and culturally different by the country of origin/production. In an international trade context, environmental elements (e.g. the introduction of organic agriculture) and the role of the country of origin/production could influence the consumers’ perception of the distribution places. This study is aimed at deepening the knowledge about European consumer attitudes towards Thai organic rice and tapioca imported from Thailand. In particular, the purpose was to explore relevant attributes for the quality product perception, motivations for purchasing, limiting factors, reasonable price brackets, trust elements. In this first phase of research, a qualitative approach was used. Four focus groups in different European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy and Scotland-UK) were administered by one or two investigators each. The participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method, gathering 6-8 persons per focus group). The discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed through a qualitative approach. Finally, an exhaustive list of semantic categories was created, explained and supported by parts of the discussions. The results show that the participants still do not know much about these products, especially about tapioca. They tend to favour the product’s nutritional aspects, followed by its taste and smell, which in any case were not deemed satisfactory; however, they want also that a series of social and environmental benefits are satisfied. In general, Thai organic rice is perceived as a “different type” of rice and tapioca as a “new product”. The most important critical issues affecting participant’s opinions include: the lack of trust in the certification process by foreign countries and the low attitude towards trying food novelties seemed due to a sense of loyalty to (or affection for) local food traditions. One of the most important trust elements is represented by the brand of the distributor, the producer and the EU and national certification bodies; in particular, participants associate some parameters of guarantee and safety to brand’s name. The information obtained could be useful in further explorations of this topic and it needs to be tested with a quantitative approach in order to obtain an evaluation of the relative importance of the different semantic categories. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42888 Title: 25 Years of food policy reserach <br/> <br/>Authors: Pinstrup-Andersen, Per <br/> <br/>Abstract: On the occasion of IFPRI's 25th anniversary, the author has selected a few subjects where the Institute has made an important and recognized contribution to food policy research, either by itself or, more frequently, with others. In each case the topic has broad application and the research includes innovative conclusions or methodology. This has necessarily meant looking more to the past than the present, although in many cases the work is continuing and promises a good deal more, in addition to what has already been achieved. He addresses IFPRI's accomplishments and the influence it has had on the development community’s views on policy issues and the nature of development in general. These areas are discussed: Global Food Trends, Food Subsidies, Markets under Structural Adjustment, Agricultural Linkages, The Bias Against Agriculture, Household Food Security, The Environment, Agricultural Science and Technology Policy, Building Food Policy Research Capacity, Trade and Globalization, and The 2020 Vision Food, Agriculture, and the Environment Initiative, through which IFPRI seeks to refocus attention on current and future challenges in areas such as food security, agricultural development, rural poverty, and environmental protection. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42885 Title: Greatest Contributions to Our Profession by Agricultural and Resource Economists <br/> <br/>Authors: Batie, Sandra S. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42884 Title: Idle Chatter or Learning? Evidence from Rural Tanzania of Social Learning about Clinicians and the Health System <br/> <br/>Authors: Adelman, Sarah; Essam, Timothy; Leonard, Kenneth L. <br/> <br/>Abstract: We examine data from rural Arusha region in Tanzania in which households are asked to recall the illness episodes of randomly chosen other households in their village. We analyze the probability that a household would be able to recall another illness episode as a function of the characteristics of the illness, the location and type of health care chosen and the outcome experienced. Households are more likely to recall severe illnesses and illnesses for which good quality care is important, illnesses that resulted in visits to hospitals or when the patient was not cured. In addition, households are more likely to recall illnesses that resulted in a visit to a facility where the average tenure of clinicians is less than two years old. The results are consistent with a model in which households deliberately collect information in order to learn about clinicians and facilities in their local area. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42883 Title: Professionalism, Latent Professionalism and Organizational Demands for Health Care Quality in a Developing Country <br/> <br/>Authors: Leonard, Kenneth L.; Masatu, Melkiory C. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Medicine is a professional pursuit, and even in developing countries professionalism should lead at least some practitioners to care for their patients despite the absence of direct incentives to do so. Even if practitioners do not behave as professionals, what is the extent of latent professionalism, in which socialization in the profession conditions health workers to respond to a demand for professionalism even if they do not normally act as professionals? How many health care workers in developing countries act as professionals all the time and what will happen if health services turn toward remuneration schemes in which health workers are paid by the output or outcome? We examine the behavior of 80 practitioners from Arusha region of Tanzania for evidence of latent professionalism, professionalism and responsiveness to extrinsic incentives in the form of organizational demands for high quality care. We show that about 20% of these practitioners act like professionals and almost half of these practice in the public sector. Professional health care workers provide high quality care even when they work in an environment that does not reward this effort, a finding that has important implications for the use of performance–based incentives. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42882 Title: Greatest Contributions to Our Profession by Agricultural and Resource Economists - Some Musings to Stir Discussion <br/> <br/>Authors: McCalla, Alex F. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42880 Title: Analysis of profitability and constraints of cotton production in seleceted area of zamfara state <br/> <br/>Authors: BAWA .A..A, HARUNA <br/> <br/>Editors: BAWA.A.A, HARUNA <br/> <br/>Abstract: The study examined the economics of cotton production in selected Local Government Areas of Zamfara State. . A total of 100 respondents were randomly selected from five local government areas of the state. The information was generated with the aid of structure questionnaires and interview schedules. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and farm budget technique. The results of the study revealed that an average net income of N 95,150.69 per hectare was realized. Total variable cost accounted for 97.41 percent of the total cost. With labour inputs alone accounting for 38.8%.Major problems such as inadequate finance, high cost of fertilizer and low of good price were limitating against increased output. Based on the result of this study, it was concluded that investing in the cotton production was profitable. Cotton farmers should form cooperative societies; this will reduce the problem of inputs acquisition. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42878 Title: A Proposal for the Design of the Successor to the Kyoto Protocol <br/> <br/>Authors: Karp, Larry; Zhao, Jinhua <br/> <br/>Abstract: The successor to the Kyoto Protocol should impose national ceilings on rich countries’ greenhouse gas emissions and promote voluntary abatement by developing countries. Our proposal gives signatories the option of exercising an escape clause that relaxes their requirement to abate. This feature helps to solve the participation and compliance problems that have weakened the Protocol. We support the use of carefully circumscribed trade restrictions in order to reduce the real or perceived problem of carbon leakage. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42877 Title: Taxes Versus Quantities for a Stock Pollutant with Endogenous Abatement Costs and Asymmetric Information <br/> <br/>Authors: Karp, Larry; Zhang, Jiangfeng <br/> <br/>Abstract: Non-strategic firms with rational expectations make investment and emissions decisions. The investment rule depends on firms’ beliefs about future emissions policies. We compare emissions taxes and quotas when the (strategic) regulator and (nonstrategic) firms have asymmetric information about abatement costs, and all agents use Markov Perfect decision rules. Emissions taxes create a secondary distortion at the investment stage, unless a particular condition holds; emissions quotas do not create a secondary distortion. We solve a linear-quadratic model calibrated to represent the problem of controlling greenhouse gasses. The endogeneity of abatement capital favors taxes, and it increases abatement. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42868 Title: Correct (and misleading) arguments for using market based pollution control policies <br/> <br/>Authors: Karp, Larry <br/> <br/>Abstract: Disagreement over the form of regulation of greenhouse gasses motivates a comparison of market based and command and control policies. More efficient policies can increase aggregate marginal abatement cost, resulting in higher emissions. Multiple investment equilibria and “regulatory uncertainty” arise when firms anticipate command and control policies. Market based policies eliminate this uncertainty. Command and control policies cause firms to imitate other firms’ investment decisions, leading to similar costs and small potential efficiency gains from trade. Market based policies induce firms to make different investment decisions, leading to different costs and large gains from trade. We imbed the regulatory problem in a “global game” and show that the unique equilibrium to that game is constrained socially optimal. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42863 Title: The Commons as a Natural Barrier to Entry <br/> <br/>Authors: Perloff, Jeffrey M.; Berck, Peter http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/handle/42860 Title: Futures Markets and the Reservation Price of Stumpage <br/> <br/>Authors: Berck, Peter; Bible, Thomas