Research Projects for 2007
ME08203-06 Leiby, J.
Managerial Issues of Maine's Equine and Hay Industries
The horse industry appears to be a significant component of Maine agriculture, yet is under represented in terms of service and research by the public sector. Further, there appears to be a substantial and growing demand for horse quality hay which is not being met by current hay producers. The project develops management and marketing tools to improve the profitability of Maine's hay and horse industries and will examine the economic impact of the horse industry in Maine.
ME08205-03 Teisl, M.
Consumer reactions to, and valuation of, changes in product quality
To appropriately prioritize alternative food quality policies it is necessary to understand how consumers would value stricter food quality standards and alternative food labeling approaches. The proposed research will use various survey datasets to measure the effects of altering food quality, or food quality information, on consumer welfare.
ME08211-02 White, G.
Evaluating Food Marketing Strategies for Producers and Retailers in Rural Areas
The number of grocery stores in the U.S. decreased 11.7% during the 1990's, while sales increased 34%. The consolidation in food retailing has had negative consequences for rural retailing and for local producers who find it increasingly difficult to place their products with retailers. The overall goal of this project is to examine food marketing barriers and opportunities facing both producers and retailers in rural areas.
ME08214 Gabe, T.
Rural Communities, Rural Labor Markets and Public Policy
The future of rural America depends on decisions made by citizens, businesses, in county courthouses, state legislatures, and Congress. Local and national leaders can use the results of this research not only to understand the forces affecting them, but also to design strategies for strengthening their economies.
ME08216-02 Bell, K.
Causes and Consequences of Land Use Change in Maine: An Economic Analysis of Land Conversion Decisions
Changes in land use patterns can have a variety of effects, including economic impacts, social impacts, and ecological impacts. This project will provide an improved understanding of both the causes and consequences of land use change in Maine. Because of Maine's unique landscape and the importance of coastal, forest, and agricultural resources to the regional economy, the study of land use change in Maine is particularly meaningful.
ME08217-02 Cheng, H.
Demand and Market Analysis of Maine Seafood Products
Maine's single-species, Atlantic salmon, aquaculture industry is susceptible to increasing market and production challenges, and the groundfish industry is facing more stringent conservation measures. The purpose of this project is to assess market potential for alternative species production in Maine's aquaculture industry and the demand for Maine seafood products.
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.
ME08221-02 Smith, S.
Sustaining Local Food Systems in a Globalizing Environment
Local food systems may provide substantial but underdeveloped opportunities for Maine farmers. Economic viability of local food systems may require new local marketing structures linking consumers and producers. This project evaluates the appropriateness of alternative food systems to serve specific market areas in Maine. This project provides technical assistance to producers and marketers establishing local food system.
