ME0359-07 S. Smith and G. White
Research and education support for the renewal of an agriculture of the middle
Mid-sized farms in the U.S. that are not competitive in national commodity markets and are not structured to sell
directly to consumers are declining in numbers. This project investigates the efficacy of mid-scaled values-based
business approaches to support mid-sized and mid-market farms.
ME08205-09 M. Teisl
Understanding individual and market reactions to changes in information
The function of product information approaches (e.g., labeling and social marketing) is to improve the flow
of information to consumers who, in turn, alter their information search and or product purchase behaviors.
These changes in consumer behaviors then may lead to changes in producer behaviors. For example, firms may
develop new marketing strategies or target different consumers, develop new products, and alter the attributes
of current products. In theory, firms that are better able to take advantage of the labeling and marketing programs
will be rewarded with a comparative advantage. However, only a few firms need to initially respond to these more
progressive consumers, as many firms respond with imitation effects. Such information programs are widespread and
work well when the focus of the information is a change in product quality that directly benefits the consumers
(e.g., provides a private benefit). Recently, such information programs are also being used to provide information
about products that provide public benefits (e.g., improved air quality). Empirical comparisons of the effectiveness
of these types of information programs are lacking. Although there are a growing number of survey-based studies
indicating that these information programs may alter consumers' perceptions of products and influence product choices,
these results have been based solely on hypothetical or experimental scenarios. Other studies, which have looked at
changes in actual behavior due to changes in such programs, have indicated some success. However, each of the programs
studied also includes other, non-informational factors (e.g., subsidies, rebates or lottery prizes for participation
in the program). Thus, it is unclear whether the success of these programs was due to the informational component of
the program. For products and services where consumer choice can have a substantial impact on public good provision,
effective implementation of information programs may be cost effective and desirable. Properly executed and supported,
these programs allow customers to make choices that clearly reflect their preferences while simultaneously achieving
policy objectives (e.g., reductions in fossil fuel use and air emissions). However, such programs may not achieve
these objectives unless consumers notice, believe, understand and can use the information presented to them. Social
psychologists identify several steps in the process of behavioral change in response to information, and some of the
factors that influence the steps in the process. This literature highlights that the effectiveness of such programs
is influenced by the way the information is presented and by the capacity of the consumer to absorb and act on it.
Current studies of these information programs have been limited in that they all focus on measuring how information
effectiveness varies across the characteristics of the information or the consumer.
ME08206-08 K. Bell
Benefits and costs of natural resource policies affecting public and private lands
Federal, state, local, and private institutions face considerable challenges when making natural resource management
decisions. Many of these decisions necessitate consideration of tradeoffs between economic growth and environmental
quality. The research completed as part of this project will improve knowledge of these tradeoffs by providing
economic values of nonmarket goods and services and analyses of complex management decisions. The outcomes of this
multi-state project include (1) improvements in federal, state, local and private institutional decision-making
with respect to managing public and private lands by reducing risks associated with natural hazards such as fire,
invasive species, weather-related natural events, and climate change; the provision of ecosystem goods and services;
and efficient mix of recreation opportunities to society; (2)generation of cost and time savings to public agencies
from availability of state-of-the-art valuation methods and databases for benefit transfers that the agencies can
quickly and inexpensively employ in their management plans and EIS's on non market natural resources; and (3)
enhancement of public agency and private landowner ecosystem service marketing decisions by providing information
on the efficiency and effectiveness of alternative programs for the marketing and provision of ecosystem goods and
services. My research will support outcomes (1) and (3).
ME08214-08 T. Gabe
Rural Change: Markets, Governance and Quality of Life
An understanding of attributes and forces that enhance or detract from individual and household wellbeing and/or
from community quality of life is important for guiding decision-making on policy. The research will lead to
increased knowledge of the forces impacting rural communities in terms of labor markets, industry, governance, and
quality of life. The impact of this research will be seen in better understanding among community leaders and citizens
of the dynamics of labor markets and businesses and their effects on rural communities.
ME08216-08H K. Bell
Landscapes, heterogeneous landowners, and environmental and natural resource management
Better information is needed to understand the implications of land ownership change and landowner heterogeneity
on agricultural, forest, and rural communities. This research program will provide information to help address
questions related to issues such as the ability of the land base to support specific industries or recreation
opportunities, the impacts of heterogeneity on the quality and spatial distribution of natural resources; the
consequences of changing preferences on the remote and rural character of communities; and the design of management
and policy tools in a predominantly private landscape with multiple owners.
ME08219 Cheng, H.
Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Innovations and Demand Assessment
The competitive market environment for fruit and vegetable products continues to change. Research on competitiveness
and demand system are of interest to fruit and vegetable growers and marketers. This project will assess market
competition and market demand for fruit and vegetable products that are relevant to Maine.
