Economists are still searching for methods to reduce/eliminate Hypothetical Bias (HB). Different methods have been previously applied some with success and others without. In this study, we aimed to further test the cognitive dissonance approach (CD) through a learning design method to estimate the WTP for five beef attributes: Non-quality, Kentucky Proud, Appalachian, Grass Fed and a mix of 25% Non-quality and 75% Kentucky Proud, using a one and one half bounded model. To test the CD, 881 participants from the University of Kentucky, were randomly assigned to a real/hypothetical market for a battery recycling project at first and afterwards to a hypothetical market for beef. For the battery recycling, participants were asked to donate $1, $2 or $3. For the beef market, participants were randomly assigned to a $4 or $6 for the non-quality attribute patty. Participants assigned to a $4 were afterwards randomly assigned to a $4.5, $5, $5.5 or $6 and the ones assigned to a $6 were afterwards assigned to a $6.5, $7, $7.5 and $8 for the other attribute patties. From this study, we found that the learning design was effective in reducing the cognitive dissonance or conflicts between what consumers say and their actions.

Cluster thinning, leaf removal and kaolin application are three commonly employed means of modifying fruit zone microclimates assumed to improve grape and wine quality. High labour costs in addition to the potential for location and varietal-specific responses make the benefits of these practices equivocal. To explore this question, I employed a stratified random block design in two Vancouver Island commercial vineyards where Pinot gris vines were manipulated with one of four experimental treatments: control, cluster thinning to one cluster per shoot, heavy leaf removal with a Kaolin clay application, or a combined heavy leaf removal – cluster thinning - Kaolin treatment. The resulting wines were subjected to detailed sensory evaluations, consumer valuation, and a cost-benefit analysis to determine their respective return-on-investment. Results indicate that despite apparent sensory changes driven by vineyard treatments, the lack of any perceived added value suggests that regional producers of Pinot gris should avoid using the assessed treatments as strategies to increase wine quality. The cost-benefit analysis revealed that heavy leaf removal combined with Kaolin clay application may provide a benefit outside of changes to wine quality. The demonstrable improvement in growing conditions under this treatment resulted in a significant decrease in rot pressure. This suggests that the treatment may be a viable option for increasing usable yields of Pinot gris without placing an insurmountable financial cost on the producer. / Graduate

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第20719号 / 農博第2248号 / 新制||農||1054(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H29||N5085(農学部図書室) / 京都大学大学院農学研究科森林科学専攻 / (主査)教授 神﨑 護, 教授 吉岡 崇仁, 准教授 仲村 匡司 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

Flygresor utrikes har ökat markant sedan 1990. För att begränsa utsläppen av växthusgaser kan andra transportmedel som tåg vara väsentliga för att ersätta flyg. Emellertid har ofta tågresor en längre restid och ett högre biljettpris. En effektiv åtgärd för att jämna ut prisförhållandet mellan flygresor och andra transportmedel kan vara genom koldioxidskatter. Studien ska ge en uppfattning om studenters betalningsvilja för en koldioxidskatt, eftersom det finns en forskningslucka för det området, samt att det finns en kontrovers om villigheten att stödja miljöbeskattning. Syftet är att förbättrade policys ska kunna utvecklas utifrån studenters åsikter och tankar kring betalningsvilja och koldioxidskatter. Syftet är även att undersöka vilket sambandet är mellan betalningsvilja och upplevd kunskap och attityd till miljön. Studien är utförd genom Contingent valuation method där studenter ställs inför en hypotetisk resa för att kunna undersöka deras betalningsvilja, priskänslighet vid prisökningar, samt skäl och drivkrafter för valet av transportmedel. Resultatet från studien visar att respondenternas betalningsvilja är hög och att det finns en villighet att betala för en koldioxidskatt. Resultat indikerar att det finns ett samband mellan stor kunskap om klimatförändringar och hög betalningsvilja. Generellt sett visar sig samtliga respondenter ha en miljövänlig attityd men inget samband till betalningsviljan kan identifieras. / Air travel abroad has increased significantly since 1990. In order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from flights, other transport such as trains could be an essential alternative. However, train travels often mean longer travel time and a more expensive ticket price. An effective measure to even the price ratio between flights and other transport could be through carbon taxes. The study should provide a perception of students' willingness to pay since this area has shown a research gap. Also, there is a controversy of people's willingness to support environmental taxation. The study seeks to look into students' opinions and thoughts regarding willingness to pay and a carbon tax so improved policies could be developed. The purpose was also to study how willingness to pay for a carbon tax relates to an experienced state of knowledge of climate changes and attitude towards the environment. The study was performed with the Contingent valuation method where students were faced with a hypothetical trip, in order to examine their willingness to pay, price sensitivity when price increases, also reasons and driving forces for the choice of means of transport. The results show that the respondent’s willingness to pay is high and that there is a willingness to pay for a carbon tax. The results also indicate a relation between high knowledge of climate changes and high willingness to pay. In general, all respondents reveal an environmentally friendly attitude, however it does not show a connection to their willingness to pay.

The objective of this study is to estimate the willingness to pay of U.S. Gulf Coast residents to support oyster reef restoration. The Gulf Coast is the leading commercial oyster- producing region in the United States, accounting for approximately 46% of the total commercial oyster harvest in 2021. My benefit estimates were based on data obtained from a contingent valuation survey of 6,475 Gulf Coast respondents. I estimated the willingness to pay (WTP) for oyster reef restoration using interval regression and Turnbull lower-bound methods. The estimated mean WTP value is in the range of $142 and $436 per household. The results show respondents who eat oysters and those that hold saltwater fishing licenses have significantly higher WTP.

The objective of this study was to estimate willingness-to-pay the population in Luleå is putting on the possibility to do recreation and outdoor life activities in an urban forest. The study has been limited to the area Ormberget-Herstölandet. A contingent valuation method has been applied which asks about willingness-to-pay to conserve current recreational activities by assuming other plans for the area. A total of 151 answers were received, of which 111 was used for the analysis. This study found that willingness-to-pay for recreation was estimated to be 173 SEK per person and as one-time-payment. Total estimated value for Luleå population was 13,500,000 SEK. Willingness-to-pay was positively influenced by the number of visits, time spent, income and preferences for cross-country skiing. Negatively influenced if the respondents are male and have high environmental concern.

Consumer demand for organic products has increased due to growing awareness of climate change and sustainability. However, the higher price of organic products is a barrier for some consumers. Previous research has examined various factors that influence consumers’ perceptions of organic products, but little attention has been paid to the influence of small firm cues. Understanding how small firm cues affect consumer behaviour could fill this gap and help small wineries overcome resistance to the price premium.  This study aims to investigate how the perception of small firm cues influences consumers’ willingness to pay for organic products, using organic wine as an example. Understanding this relationship can help small wineries market their products effectively and encourage them to switch to organic farming.  To fulfil the purpose of this thesis, a quantitative study was conducted. An online survey was developed with an experimental design to answer the research question empirically. Respondents were randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The experimental group was shown an organic wine label with a small firm cue and the control group with no cue.  The analyses showed that signalling a company’s small size did not affect consumers’ willingness to pay. Factors such as trustworthiness, perceived quality, and made with love did not affect the relationship between small firm cues and consumers’ willingness to pay. However, presenting a small firm cue resulted in increased consumer perceptions that the product is made with love. Nevertheless, this perception did not correspond to a higher willingness to pay.

No description available.

Vermicompost transforms agricultural waste into a high quality soil amendment, though market acceptance remains in its infancy. This study examines how growers’ willingness to pay for vermicompost is affected by grower’s crop, region, income per acre, knowledge level of vermicompost and compost, previous use of compost, and the willingness to pay for compost. The survey results pulled together 223 responses from California growers. It was discovered growers’ had less knowledge of vermicompost than compost but were willing to pay more for vermicompost. There was statistical difference amongst the responses. It was shown the market value per ton of vermicompost lies between $20 and $30; and feasibility of a potential vermicompost facility depends on transportation costs of the finished product. A vermicompost company should focus on North Coast grape growers.

No description available.