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What agricultural and food policies do U.S. consumers prefer? A best–worst scaling approach

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  • Vincenzina Caputo
  • Jayson L. Lusk

Abstract

Consumer welfare effects from policy changes are traditionally calculated using estimates of consumer preferences for the underlying goods and services affected. This conventional approach is indirect, does not consider preferences people may have for the policies themselves, and makes it difficult to easily compare relative preferability of a large set of policy options. In this paper, we use the best–worst scaling approach to determine consumers’ preferences for 13 policies. A nationwide survey of 1,056 U.S. consumers indicates the highest levels of support for investments in agricultural research and requirements of food and agricultural literacy standards in public education. Fat, calorie, and soda taxes are the least popular; fewer than one‐third of respondents are in favor of these three policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincenzina Caputo & Jayson L. Lusk, 2020. "What agricultural and food policies do U.S. consumers prefer? A best–worst scaling approach," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 51(1), pages 75-93, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:agecon:v:51:y:2020:i:1:p:75-93
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.12542
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