Date of Award
12-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Legacy Department
Economics
Committee Chair/Advisor
Carpio, Carlos
Committee Member
Willis , David B
Committee Member
Boys , Kathryn A
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate Upstate South Carolina consumers' willingness to pay for a system in which local food banks and local farms support one another. The proposed system will be based on local food consumers paying a price premium for locally grown agricultural products, and this premium is then donated to local food banks. The food banks would act as intermediaries to improve sustainability of local farms and in the long term, this system is expected to provide external benefits to local economic development. The study uses a consumer demand mail survey to record opinions about, and demand for, locally grown products, local food banks, and a set of possible arrangements linking the two together. A conjoint analysis framework is used to determine upstate South Carolina residents' willingness to pay for the system through a donation built into the price. Consumers were found to be willing to pay 18% more for locally grown products and 5% more for products including a donation. Similarly their WTP for fruits and vegetables versus animal products was 22.9% and 14.6% respectively. These findings will be useful when implementing the price premiums on specific fruits, vegetables, and meat products.
Recommended Citation
Young, Emily, "FINDING UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA'S CONSUMERS' WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR LOCAL FOOD WITH A PRICE PREMIUM DONATION TO LOCAL FOOD BANKS" (2012). All Theses. 1537.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/1537