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An Econometric Analysis of the Environmental Benefits Provided by the Conservation Reserve Program

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2015

Ronald A. Fleming
Ronald A. Fleming*
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Abstract

Over $1.7 billion has been spent on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) since 1985. The purpose of this study is to show that these expenditures have aided the environment. Rather than quantify changes in environmental variables, a spatial econometric model is used to test if CRP enrollments are greater in counties with poorer environmental quality. In seven of nine regions, CRP enrollments are higher in counties with an environmental concern. This positive finding justifies past expenditures by the CRP and supports continued funding as an environmental program. The CRP is targeting current environmental concerns that will lead to future improvement.

Keywords

Conservation Reserve Programeconometricsenvironmental qualitysoil erosionspatial datawater qualitywildlife habitatQ28Q58C31Q24Q25
Type
Invited Paper Sessions
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 36 , Issue 2 , August 2004 , pp. 399 - 413
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2004

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