Cotton Pest Management: Are Public Programs Obsolete

1
Cotton Pest Management Are Public Programs
Obsolete?

• Andrew Traut
• Agribusiness The University of Georgia
• Jere Thorne
• Ag. Econ. The University of Georgia

2
Boll Weevil, Bud Worm A Serious Problem!

• 1995 2000 the Boll Weevil destroyed more than
  3.5 mil. bales of cotton
• Bollworm and Bud Worm - 3.3 mil. bales

3
The Culprits!
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Problem

• Has the BWE outlived its usefulness as a public
  program?
• Farmers want to choose

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Hypothesis 1

• The BWE has become inefficient as a government
  program due to negative feedback and the
  introduction of Bt cotton

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Adoption Rate of Bt Cotton Compared to The BWE
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Support

• Private BWE can adapt
• 1997 - 1 mil. bales lost to boll weevil only half
  lost to bud worm
• 1995 - 1999, 68 reduction in loss due to bud worm

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Hypothesis 2

• The private program, Bt Cotton, is more
  economical and effective than the public program,
  the BWE.
• Taxpayers Dont Lose

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Support

• Bt Increases Yield
• Farmers Get to Choose
• Freedom of Control Investment

10
Number of Bales Lost to the Boll Weevil and Bud
Worm
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Conclusion

• Confidence in BWE
• Private Industry Technology Improved
• Farmers Want to Choose
• All Signs Point to YES!