Factors Affecting the Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops by Youngand Beginning U.S. Farmers and Ranchers

摘要

The comprehensive set of programsin the 2008 Farm Bill designed tosupport Young and BeginningFarmers and Ranchers (YBFR),combined with a substantial amountof resources allocated to each ofthese programs, can be viewed as aninvestment in ensuring the futuresustainability of the U.S. agriculturesystem. Understanding the factorsthat influence YBFR to adopttechnology will become increasinglyimportant if YBFR are to succeed.Of particular interest is why YBFRadopt Bt corn, Bt cotton, and HTsoybeans. Results conform to amajority of our a priori expectations;YBFRs are more likely to adopt GMcrops if they are not a full owner ofthe farm operation, as sales of thefarm operation grow, if the crop isimportant to their region, and asthey become more risk averse.