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The Future of Food: Understanding Public Preferences for the Management of Agricultural Resources

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Listed:
  • Erika Allen Wolters

    (School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, 300 Bexell Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA)

  • Brent S. Steel

    (School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, 300 Bexell Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA)

  • Sydney Anderson

    (Public Policy and Administration, Boise State University, MS1935 Environmental Research Building, Boise, ID 83725, USA)

  • Heather Moline

    (School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, 300 Bexell Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA)

Abstract

The current U.S food system has managed to provide abundant food at a relatively low cost, even as the population increases. However, this unfettered growth is reaching maximum yields as demand for greater food production competes with other uses of agricultural lands. Extant ecological factors such as water scarcity are reducing food productivity, and competition for resources to produce food is becoming more apparent. This research examines public policy preferences of U.S. west coast citizens for the management of agricultural resources through the use of random household surveys. Results suggest overall support among respondents for food policies using regulatory, tax incentive, and voluntary outreach approaches. Multivariate analyses revealed that some social-demography, knowledge, environmental values, political ideology, and environmental efficacy variables were significant predictors of public opposition and support for food policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Erika Allen Wolters & Brent S. Steel & Sydney Anderson & Heather Moline, 2021. "The Future of Food: Understanding Public Preferences for the Management of Agricultural Resources," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:6707-:d:579609
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Erika Allen Wolters & Brent S. Steel & Muhammed Usman Amin Siddiqi & Melissa Symmes, 2022. "Public Water Policy Knowledge and Policy Preferences in the American West," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-20, February.

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