Better Targeting, Better Outcomes

Economic Research Service Economic Brief Number 2, March 2006

6 Pages Posted: 24 Feb 2016

See all articles by LeRoy Hansen

LeRoy Hansen

(Former) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS) -- retired

Daniel Hellerstein

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS), Resource and Rural Economics Division

Date Written: March 22, 2006

Abstract

While it is common knowledge that not all agricultural lands have the same productive capacity, it is increasingly recognized that the environmental impacts of agricultural production also differ. To best achieve conservation goals, programs can target those farms and fields where conservation efforts are likely to generate the most profound or widespread environmental benefits for a given program size.

Targeting is a means of choosing which offers to accept. Targeting helps programs achieve multiple objectives.Targeting relies on data, models, and opinions. Targeting for environmental benefits may involve geography.Targeting can increase benefits and reduce costs. Targeting has improved program performance, but could do more.

Keywords: targeting, agricultural conservation, cost benefit, multiple objectives

JEL Classification: Q28, Q24

Suggested Citation

Hansen, LeRoy and Hellerstein, Daniel, Better Targeting, Better Outcomes (March 22, 2006). Economic Research Service Economic Brief Number 2, March 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2736544

LeRoy Hansen

(Former) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS) -- retired ( email )

1214 N. Dinwiddie St.
Arlington, VA 22205-2533
United States
703 527 1926 (Phone)

Daniel Hellerstein (Contact Author)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS), Resource and Rural Economics Division ( email )

Washington, DC 20024-3221
United States

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