Individuals' opinion on agricultural multifunctionality performance

Laburpena

This paper aims to contribute further insights into the valuation individuals make of agriculture performance taking into account its multifunctional feature. Using data from the 2003 Survey on Individuals' Opinion on Rurality and Agriculture in Andalucía (Agrobarometre 2003) an ordered probit model is applied to explore the effect of regional characteristics and individual preferences on this issue after accounting for personal heterogeneity. Results show how individuals' perceptions about this sector performance are site-specific (depending on the surrounding farming systems) and are also based on their particular preferences (individuals' ranking of multifunctional agriculture attributes). The research further highlights those functions developed by agricultural sector which do not fully satisfy individuals' expectations. Overall, it provides a useful empirical tool for policy-makers concerned on improving satisfaction with the perception of the multifunctionality of the agricultural sector.