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In this thesis, I explore how white producers of U.S. agriculture’s top commodity—cattle—understand participation in government farm programs. As such, the central research question guiding this research is: how do white Mississippi cattle producers portray their decisions to pursue (or not pursue) government farm programs? Specifically, I offer insights into how farmers reconcile tension between being independent/self-sufficient and accepting government subsidies. Using data from 289 hours of participant observation at agricultural events and 33 interviews with producers, I examine sociologically how these understandings of farm program participation relate to producers’ ideological notions of “success” and how race and gender shape these understandings.

This study analyzes the distribution system of fresh fruits and vegetables used by Brazilian population in Massachusetts, which is estimated to be over 250,000. Maxixe (Cucumis anguria) and abóbora híbrida (Cucurbita spp.), vegetable crops popular among Brazilians were used as test crops to better understand the distribution system and to assess the most efficient way for local farmers to enter into the marketplace with their fresh produce. In person interviews with Brazilian consumers, and test marketing were used in this research to evaluate sales potential and pricing levels for abóbora híbrida produced in Massachusetts. The squash was sold at four locations during two weeks at specific pricing levels and results showed good sales potential for this crop. Yields and production practices were evaluated at the UMass Research Farm to test productivity and adaptability of this squash in local climate conditions. Results of this pilot study also underscored the importance of local farmers understanding the role of cultural characteristics of the Brazilian community in the United States, especially with regard to language and media, in order to fully capitalize on this market.

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Trending ahead to the year 2050, concerns continue to rise regarding feeding a world population of nearly 10 billion people (Smith, Tarawali, Grace, & Sones, 2013). The United States provides many federal programs to feed the hungry (Talk Poverty, 2018). Despite these provisions, barriers exist and prevent access to healthy foods (Innis, 2014). Residents in the state of Mississippi are posed with the challenge of accessing nutrient rich foods (Gunderson et al., 2018). In an effort to combat hunger in Mississippi, Mississippi WIC and MDAC have partnered to bridge farmers with low-income residents with the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (“Mississippi Farmers' Market Nutrition,” 2018). Barriers to access – like transportation, location, and market hours – may have an impact on redemtption rates (Conrey, Frongillo, Dollahite, & Griffin, 2003). This descriptive, correlational study used five independent variables to see if these had an impact on FMNP voucher redemption rates.

<p> This study analyses the significance of a number of selected supply variables, economic and physical, in explaining changes in supply among Jamaican sugar cane farmers over time. The study is considered an empirical application of much of the findings in the theory of agricultural supply.</p> <p> The study is set within the overall theory of agricultural supply with a detailed discussion of the particular social and economic conditions of the study areas. As such, broad conclusions may be drawn from this study to be applied to other cases with similar characteristics.</p> <p> Extensive use is made of a questionnaire to arrive at the particular characteristics of the farmers and their decisions regarding sugar cane supply. The study is, however, not exhaustive in scope nor are its conclusions incontrovertible.</p> / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

Purpose Ethical elaboration is an aspect of product involvement and this research examines the relationship between involvement and ethical consumption providing a more holistic understanding of ethical decision-­making. This paper identifies antecedents of both low and high involvement ethical product decision-­making at farmers’ markets, and with sustainable and energy efficient features in the housing market, respectively. Design/methodology/approach These aims are achieved through semi-­structured and in-­depth interviews with consumers and sellers of ethical products across low and high involvement domains. Findings The empirical investigation reveals new insights into the constructs considered when purchasing high involvement ethical products. Barriers are discussed and findings examine the relationships between trust, information, ethical motivation and signalling. Research implications A research process framework for the study of ethical decision-­making is presented, demonstrating that constructs are approached differently between involvement levels. A conceptual model providing steps for transferring knowledge gained from the research to practice is also developed. Practical implications This research aids in the dispersion of information among stakeholders so that sustainability and energy efficiency can be part of the standard real estate conversation. Social implications Sustainability and energy efficiency (SEE) housing is seen as a niche market and this research will help alter the behaviour of the stakeholders in order to incentivise consumers to change their purchase patterns to include SEE features. Originality/value Most of the work on ethical consumption deals with low-­involvement products. This study addresses high-­involvement ethical consumption within the housing market through a qualitative approach.

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