Economic Modeling of Farm Production and Conservation Decisions in Response to Alternative Resource and Environmental Policies

Abstract

Growing concern over resource use and protection of the environment has prompted greater demand for agricultural policy analysis at the local, regional, and national levels. Faced with declining surface-water quality, silting of reservoirs, and contaminated groundwater supplies, the public has demanded greater protection of the environment. With the call for more regulation of agriculture comes the need for policy analysis. What policy is best? Should a national standard apply, or do local conditions warrant local standards? Who will benefit, and who will lose, and by how much?