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Economic analysis of an areawide program for biological control of the alfalfa weevil

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

J.M. White ,
P.G. Allen ,
L.J. Moffitt  and
P.P. Kingsley
J.M. White
Affiliation:
former Research Assistant, Department of Resource Economics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
P.G. Allen
Affiliation:
Professors, Department of Resource Economics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
L.J. Moffitt
Affiliation:
Professors, Department of Resource Economics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
P.P. Kingsley
Affiliation:
Entomologist, Otis Methods Development Center, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Otis ANGB, MA 02542.
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Abstract

An areawide program for biological control of the alfalfa weevil showed expected economic benefits of $2.2 billion, expressed in present value terms. Alfalfa producers and consumers of livestock products are the main beneficiaries. The control program was highly successful, with a benefit/cost ratio of about 91. Not all areawide biological pest control programs will be as successful; a benefit-cost analysis like the one described here should be performed before areawide control is initiated to identify programs expected to provide economic benefits.

Keywords

cost-benefit analysisalfalfapesticide use
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 10 , Issue 4 , December 1995 , pp. 173 - 179
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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