Combining agricultural science and economic knowledge to create behavioral change: A conceptual framework

Authors: McGrath, Joshua; DUKE, JOSHUA - Auburn University

Submitted to: Agricultural and Environmental Letters
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2026
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: This commentary argues that economic research on farmers’ decisions generally takes two forms. Profitability research assesses whether new agri scientific practices increase farm profits, while policy problem research examines how government policies can address off farm problems linked to on farm practices. The commentary aims to improve interdisciplinary collaboration by explaining how economists frame agricultural problems, measure profitability and policy effectiveness, and use agri science findings. By clarifying these often misunderstood features and quirks of economic research, this commentary seeks to help agricultural scientists more effectively influence farmers’ behavior and policy outcomes.

Technical Abstract: This commentary develops a conceptual framework showing how economic research complements agri science to influence farmer behavior and improve social outcomes. The first model—the workhorse profitability model—has economists estimate the on farm costs and benefits of new agri scientific practices. Economic results often imply adoption processes that are more complex than agri science alone suggests; for example, the most beneficial technologies may also be high cost and less profitable in the near term. The second model—the policy problem model—examines how agri science links on farm practices to off farm social problems and how economists design policies to align private incentives with public outcomes. This model also explains why recent economic research frequently identifies shortcomings in existing incentive based policies and highlights policy innovations that expand the role of market based solutions.