Location: Aerial Application Technology Research
Project Number: 3091-22000-037-007-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Feb 8, 2019
End Date: May 2, 2020
Objective:
The general objective of this study is to conduct an economic analysis of the benefit of the aerial application industry to the U.S. economy. This model will aid decision-making for aerial applicators, regulators, and legislators with the aim of quantitating the value of the industry to the U.S. economy. Specific objectives of Phase 1 of the project are to: (1) develop an economic model that quantifies the current value of the aerial application of herbicides to the American economy, and (2) predict what would happen if aerial application of herbicides was no longer operative.
Approach:
The cooperator will utilize economic data provided by the National Agricultural Aviation Association and the USDA Economic Research Service to develop an economic model using cutting-edge econometric tools to show the multi-faceted effects of a legislative ban on the aerial application of herbicides on the U.S. economy. Issues of food availability and cost, dependence on foreign nations for our food supply, impact on our rural farming communities, etc. will be explored as a part of this project. Once developed, the economic model will be shared with regulators, legislators, and the aerial application industry so that these entities may better understand the economic benefit of the aerial application industry to the U.S. economy and its importance to our national security.
