From a theoretical perspective, both landowners and producers stand to benefit from a successful bell weevil eradication (BWE) program. But, because these two groups do not make decisions based on the same information sets and do not equally share the benefits and costs of the program, differences occur in their support for BWE. Although producer reactions to BWE have been documented in previous studies, little is known about the role of landowners in the ultimate success or failure of a BWE program referendum. This study examines the different factors affecting landowner and producer support for BWE in Louisiana. Results suggest that knowledge, experience, and sources of information play a significant role in both landowner and producer support for BWE. Income derived from nonfarm sources was significantly and positively related to landowner support for BWE but was not significant in characterizing producer support. Instead, producer support was linked to experience with advanced pest management practices and a positive opinion of extension service information sources. Taken together, the results suggest that there are opportunities to enhance BWE support by carefully delineating target audiences and designing education programs that supply specific types of information to individuals who will have a voice in any BWE implementation referendum.
展开▼
