The Hurdles to Greater Adoption of Anaerobic Digesters

Abstract

Design of government policies that seek greater adoption of anaerobic digesters can benefit from a greater understanding of the motivations for adoption. Using a nationwide survey of U.S. dairy and swine producers, this study seeks to determine how policies, peer group influences, environmental beliefs, and farm characteristics affect the decision to adopt a digester. Results suggest that neighborhood effects, farm type and size, and nonmarket benefits of anaerobic digestion are important for predicting whether or not a producer willconsiderthis technology for manure management. However, the decision to actually adopt is more dependent on government policies and economic considerations.