The appearance and rapid adoption of genetically modified (GM) foods and the strong growth in organic foods are two of the major trends that have influenced the food system over the past several years. The purpose of this research was to determine consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for non-GM and...

This research compared bids that consumers placed on non genetically modified (GM), organic, and conventional versions of food products in order to determine if the organic market well serves those seeking to avoid GM foods. Auction experiments using potato chips, tortilla chips, and milk...

A large segment of consumers appear to value niche products including organic, “non-GM,†“pesticide-free,†and “no antibiotics used†more in fresh products than in processed. About ten percent of the respondents were especially interested in non-GM products. These...

A consumer survey and Tobit analysis were used to determine the effect of message framing and other factors on self-reported organic food purchase likelihood. Negative framing, which emphasizes the possible negative consequences of conventional agricultural techniques, led to a “"boomerang...

This study examined consumer willingness to pay for first- and second-generation genetically modified (GM) and organic foods and for non-GM foods, dependent on tolerance for GM content. Data from a survey of students were examined using a heteroskedastic two-limit Tobit model. Results showed...

In this project, a predictive time model was developed for an Anglia Autoflow mechanical chicken catching system. At the completion of poultry growout, hand labor is currently used to collect the birds from the house, although some integrators are beginning to incorporate mechanical catching...

Today's consumers face foods whose production attributes they are often largely unfamiliar with and uncertain about. This study surveyed Delaware consumers about labeling, health risk concerns, and knowledge of five potential attributes for chicken: free-range, treated with antibiotics,...

Genetically engineered (GE) soybeans first became available to farmers in 1996. Despite the common questions regarding any new crop technology, the new seeds were rapidly adopted. This study examines the characteristics of adopters, as well as yield and weed control cost changes, using survey...

This project was supported by the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP), USDA, Grant # 2009-51181-06035. In the U.S. agricultural system, small and medium-sized farmers with limited land and capital resources are unable to compete in the national commodity markets. Direct marketing...