Prithviraj Lakkakula, Dwayne J. Haynes and Troy G. Schmitz
This chapter analyzes the economic implications of genetic engineering for food security. We discuss the asynchronous nature of genetically modified (GM) crop regulation and…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter analyzes the economic implications of genetic engineering for food security. We discuss the asynchronous nature of genetically modified (GM) crop regulation and labeling requirements among countries, associated politics, and consumer perceptions of GM crops.
Methodology/approach
We perform an ex-ante analysis of the introduction of a GM rice variety in major rice exporting and importing countries (including potential producer and consumer impacts) within the framework of a partial equilibrium trade model.
Findings
Although the introduction of a GM rice variety that increases global yield by 5% could result in a consumer gain of US$23.4 billion to US$74.8 billion, it could also result in a producer loss of US$9.7 billion to US$63.7 billion. The estimated net gain to society could be US$11.1 billion to US$13.7 billion. Overall, we find a positive economic surplus for major exporters and importers of rice based on a 5% supply increase with a GM rice variety.
Practical implications
The adoption of transgenic (GM) rice varieties would have a far greater impact on rice prices for poorer counties than for richer countries. Therefore, GM rice may help ensure that more people throughout the world would have food security.
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Brandon McFadden and Troy G. Schmitz
Deficiency of nutrition is generally referred to as malnutrition; however, malnutrition can refer to both overnutrition and undernutrition. Nutrient availability and intake are…
Abstract
Deficiency of nutrition is generally referred to as malnutrition; however, malnutrition can refer to both overnutrition and undernutrition. Nutrient availability and intake are current challenges for society, and these challenges will only intensify as population continues to grow and resources become more stressed. This chapter examines the need for dietary guidelines to increase nutrition security, describes the history of dietary guidelines in the United States, examines compliance and challenges with compliance of dietary guidelines, and finishes with future implications of dietary guidelines. This study concluded that although the purpose of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines is to assist Americans in choosing healthy eating patterns and to alleviate the negative health and economic outcomes associated with malnutrition, consumers typically do not follow the USDA Dietary Guidelines due to their inherent complexities and other factors, such as income and access to food which may affect compliance.
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Andrew Schmitz, Frederick Rossi and Troy G. Schmitz
Following the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling favoring Brazil over U.S. cotton growers, the debate continues over the impact of U.S. farm policy. For U.S. cotton policy, the…
Abstract
Following the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling favoring Brazil over U.S. cotton growers, the debate continues over the impact of U.S. farm policy. For U.S. cotton policy, the price impact depends on several factors, including the extent to which it is decoupled from production. The impact on world cotton prices under decoupling (the loan rate is used in supply response analysis) is much less than under coupling (the target price is used in producer production decisions). Also, the welfare impacts are very different. Using cotton as an example, the welfare cost of U.S. cotton policy is much less under a decoupled program.
In the earlier part of the twentieth century, cost–benefit (CBA) or benefit–cost analysis was used as a vehicle by Congress to curtail its wasteful spending, by using the Army…
Abstract
In the earlier part of the twentieth century, cost–benefit (CBA) or benefit–cost analysis was used as a vehicle by Congress to curtail its wasteful spending, by using the Army Corp of Engineers to examine Congressional projects using CBA. Theodore Porter here examines the rise of the use of CBA in historical context and finds that the Corp was highly successful in reducing wasteful spending. Regardless of the present day effectiveness of the Corps, CBA currently provides valuable service. To appreciate this one need look no further than the effect Arnold Harberger's work and students have had in less developed countries, and at the several hundred useful evaluations of social programs produced over the last several years. Finally, one can look, criticisms of Ackerman and Heinzerling notwithstanding, at many of the analyses of environmental programs.
Ben Charters and Troy Heffernan
This paper addresses the current lack of solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption by Australian apartment dwellers by proposing a conceptual model that identifies and integrates the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper addresses the current lack of solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption by Australian apartment dwellers by proposing a conceptual model that identifies and integrates the factors influencing owners' attitudes towards PV adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model, which this paper terms the apartment-based solar adoption (ASA) model, is developed by applying motivation–opportunity–ability (MOA) theory to relevant findings in property development, green energy and strata governance literature.
Findings
The ASA model demonstrates the process by which an apartment-owning consumer may progress from considering solar PV adoption to recommending the action to their strata property's Owners' Committee (OC). It incorporates three motivational drivers (pragmatic considerations, perceived values and perceived social norms), three conditional mediators (location accessibility, resource availability and decision-making conditions) and three requirements from the consumer (actual and perceived knowledge, the ability to participate in decision-making and social connections and status).
Research limitations/implications
This article contributes originality to research on two counts. Firstly, it provides a conceptual framework of specific relevance to issues concerning solar PV adoption, and secondly, it offers a systematic means for research into strata governance decision-making. Further research is required to develop the means with which to utilise the model prescriptively and measure longitudinal effects, such as ongoing trends in apartment owners' motivations. Further research is also recommended into how the ASA model may be utilised to identify generalisable consumer typologies among apartment owners.
Practical implications
The ASA model may assist building maintenance providers in developing and marketing solar PV services tailored to apartment residents' requirements and enhance strata managers' ability to inform and guide apartment owners. In turn, property developers would be able to review apartment-based solar projects, measure their increased value and decreased energy costs and incorporate this information when planning future developments.
Social implications
The ASA model may provide a template for apartment owners and owners' corporations considering solar PV for their property. Public policymakers could also refer to the model to incentivise apartment-based solar PV adoption, whether through designing local information campaigns, developing financial incentives or mitigating identified regulatory barriers. By facilitating solar PV adoption in Australian apartment housing, the model may ensure sustainable post-carbon energy consumption for Australia's housing stock and act as an example for high-density housing development internationally.
Originality/value
The ASA model addresses the many drivers and barriers known to affect solar PV adoption by apartment owners, presenting a framework on which to arrange these factors and outline their causal relationships. This framework may inform strata properties' future solar PV adoption initiatives by incorporating their specific physical characteristics, stakeholder dynamics and institutional structure. It also consolidates and provides generalisability to the concepts established in current literature.