An Econometric Analysis of the Environmental Benefits Provided by the Conservation Reserve Program

Ronald A. Fleming ()

Journal of Agricultural & Applied Economics, 2004, vol. 36, issue 2, pages 399-413

Abstract: Over $1.7 billion has been spent on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) since 1985. The purpose of this study is to show that these expenditures have aided the environment. Rather than quantify changes in environmental variables, a spatial econometric model is used to test if CRP enrollments are greater in counties with poorer environmental quality. In seven of nine regions, CRP enrollments are higher in counties with an environmental concern. This positive finding justifies past expenditures by the CRP and supports continued funding as an environmental program. The CRP is targeting current environmental concerns that will lead to future improvement.

Keywords: Conservation Reserve Program; environmental quality; spatial data; econometrics; soil erosion; water quality; wildlife habitat (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q28 Q58 C31 Q24 Q25 (search for similar items in EconPapers)

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Journal of Agricultural & Applied Economics is edited by Jeffrey M. Gillespie

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