AN ANALYSIS OF FARMERS' POLICY ATTITUDES AND PREFERENCES FOR FREE TRADE

This study evaluates the attitudes of U.S. (Kansas) farmers regarding "free-trade" and "free-market" policy environments. In contrast to earlier studies, non-specific policy attitudes are evaluated. A direct measure of farm program benefits is also included. Attitudes vary significantly with farm and operator characteristics. Support for free trade was shown to decrease with education and experience, to increase for farms with relatively more rented land, and to increase as total farm wealth increased. Support for free-trade was also higher for crop farms. Farms receiving more government payments are less likely to favor a free-trade policy environment.