Willingness to pay for pesticide reduction in the EU: nothing but organic?

Abstract

Using experimental auctions carried out on apples in different European countries, this paper contributes to the assessment of consumer willingness to pay for the reduction of pesticides. We study several systems of good agricultural practices, possibly signalled to consumers, ranging from Integrated Pest Management certifications to organic production methods. The results show a relatively homogeneous behaviour of European consumers and reveal that improving the information on pesticide reduction may have unintended consequences. Results also suggest that taste characteristics and reference to a Protected Denomination of Origin should not be overlooked.