Many improvements have been proposed for the basic gravity model specification, most of which are confirmed by standard statistical tests due to the large number of observations often used to estimate such models. We use Monte Carlo experiments to examine situations in which features of models...

Real options theory is employed to measure the value of investing in organic wheat production using precision agriculture technology. Results reveal that an option to wait until market uncertainty is resolved is valuable. Information obtained via precision agriculture technology is also valuable...

The ag-biotech industry underwent considerable consolidation in the last decade in part to take advantage of economics of scale and scope. The paper investigates the impact of such consolidation on inventive activity at the firm level. Careful attention is paid to the role of firm size,...

Empirical evidence from research on Bt maize in Kenya puts to rest most concerns raised against GMOs (not responding to farmers' needs, expensive, benefiting agro-business, risk of decreased biodiversity), but does indicate that contamination of local varieties is likely and buildup of insect...

Consumer attitudes towards genetically modified foods (GMFs) play a crucial role in the development of the technology. Both government and food manufacturers of agricultural products in the US and China are optimistic about the potential market for these foods. This paper compares two national...

Costs differ among variable rate application systems. Most feasible in Tennessee are the 1-bin and 2-bin spreader beds mounted to existing chassis with an owner-added variable rate controller and global positioning system. Truck spreader systems required more acreage or larger custom charges...

Genetically modified grains have rapidly become popular among producers across U.S. Some consumers, particularly in the EU, South Korea, and Japan, are unwilling to purchase products containing ingredients from genetically modified or transgenic crops. This paper develops a model to represent...

Using responses from a mail survey conducted among 203 South Dakota grain elevator managers in 2002, we analyzed the degree to which the elevators were prepared to segregate non-transgenic from commodity grains. Only 17 and two percent reported having buyers inquire about segregated...

A number of challenges exist for genetically modified (GM) crop development at the production level. Contract strategies can resolve some of these challenges. Contracts can be designed to induce legal adoption of GM crops by varying technology fees, violation detection, and penalties. The...