ON-FARM ADOPTION OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES - THE ROLE OF FARM AND FARMER CHARACTERISTICS, PERCEPTIONS, AND HEALTH-HAZARDS

The research reported in this paper concerns (1) Quebec potato farmers and the factors that compose their concern for environmental degradat ion and (2) the adoption of conservation practices using a two-stage d ecision-making process. The surveyed farmers are concerned mainly with the problem of pest infestation. Their awareness of environmental pro blems is raised by the level of educational attainment, membership in producers' organizations, and participation in government sponsored fa rm programs. The actual adoption of conservation practices by farmers is influenced by the extent to which they perceive environmental degra dation to be a problem, their educational level, the expected crop los s to pests and weeds, the perceived health effects of farm chemicals a pplication, and the availability of adequate information on the best m anagement practices.