Economics of Technology Acceptance and Agricultural Producer Self-Regulation Assessment

Glynn Tonsor, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, will present on April 8th in Room 105 of the Agricultural Administration Building (2120 Fyffe Road) as part of the AEDE Applied Economics Seminar Series. His presentation topic will focus on his recent research: "Economics of Technology Acceptance and Agricultural Producer Self-Regulation Assessment."

There is a growing issue of economic importance and contention within U.S. production agriculture around technology development, industry adoption, and societal acceptance. Many stakeholders within production and processing sectors call for society to follow “science-based decisions” and to support corresponding use of technology and food production practices. Increasingly however, this situation can more accurately be described as “science working” being a necessary but no longer sufficient condition for acceptance and adoption of new technologies and production protocols. This situation motivates this seminar’s design and open-discussion format. 

Dr. Tonsor will lead an interactive discussion on this issue, including the economics of technology adoption, the current limited state of knowledge, and prospects for industry self-regulation. An overview of the situation, presented by controversy over multiple existing as well as potentially new technologies and food production practices, will be provided setting the stage for further discussion. Specific examples, mainly from the livestock and meat industry, of limited adoption, experienced disadoption, and restricted use, will clarify economic implications. A presentation of ongoing work at Kansas State will be provided to guide a broader conversation and elevate awareness of the need for additional economic research on the topic.    

This event is open to the public and RSVPs are not required. If you have any questions, please contact us.