Delaware farmers' adoption of GE soybeans in a time of uncertain U.S. adoption

John Bernard (), John D. Pesek, Jr. and Chunbo Fan
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John D. Pesek, Jr.: 227 Townsend Hall, Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716. E-mail: pesek@udel.edu, Postal: 227 Townsend Hall, Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716. E-mail: pesek@udel.edu
Chunbo Fan: 223 Townsend Hall, Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716. E-mail: fchunbo@udel.edu, Postal: 223 Townsend Hall, Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716. E-mail: fchunbo@udel.edu

Agribusiness, 2004, vol. 20, issue 1, 81-94

Abstract: Soybeans genetically engineered to withstand the herbicide Roundup became available to farmers in 1996 and rapidly became the most popular of the new biotechnology crops. However, rising concerns over consumer acceptance late in 1999 created a climate of uncertainty over national markets and put continuing adoption in question. This study models Delaware farmers' adoption patterns and decisions, and examines accompanying changes in their operations at the start of the 2000 season. Model results show adoption to have continued upward in terms of farmers and acreage, with age, soybean income, computer use, and labeling opinion identifying major adopters. Adopters were expanding operations and utilizing accompanying new techniques at a high rate. With much of the state farmers' market assured by the local broiler industry, farmers appeared unconcerned over national market uncertainties. The research thus demonstrates the need to consider local conditions and potential for variations in adoption patterns and adopter characteristics. [EconLit citations: Q160, O330]. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 20: 81-94, 2004.

Date: 2004
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:agribz:v:20:y:2004:i:1:p:81-94

DOI: 10.1002/agr.10085

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