| EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY |
 |
| All
respondents were asked, “Given the debate over global warming and
greenhouse gas emissions, which of the following descriptions best
describes your views on the issue of global climate change?”
Twenty-one percent of respondents when asked concerning the issues of
global warming and greenhouse gases, stated that this is a real problem.
Fifty-two percent stated that these issues are overblown, 12% stated
that it is a serious problem, and 11% stated it’s an imaginary
problem. |
|
|
| Forty-three
percent of respondents stated they do indeed take the threat of
global climate change seriously. Over half (54%) of respondents stated
that they do not take the threat of climate change seriously.
|
|
|
| Thirty-two
percent of respondents stated they think that their farm productivity is
threatened by changing climate. While a majority (65%) of respondents do
not think climate changes are threatening the productivity of their
farm.
|
|
|
| Over
half (59%) of respondents stated they think that gasoline and diesel
emissions contribute to greenhouse gas buildup. There are still
28% of respondents who do not think that gasoline and diesel fuel
emissions contribute to greenhouse gas buildup. |
|
|
| Fifty-six
percent of respondents stated that greenhouse gas emissions could be
reduced through no-till or nutrient management, while 22% stated that
they could not.
|
|
|
| All
respondents were asked, “Various proposals suggest putting a per ton
value on carbon that is sequestered (stored) in soil. What price
per ton of carbon would be necessary to get you involved in such a
program?” Three percent of respondents stated that $5 per ton of
carbon is enough to get them involved in a program. Four percent
stated $10 per ton of carbon to get them involved, 2% stated $15 per
ton, 5% stated $20 per ton, 5% stated $25 per ton, 7% stated $30 per
ton, and 3% stated greater than $30 per ton to get them involved in such
a program. However, a majority (67%) of respondents stated they did not
know of a price that is sufficient for their involvement in such a
program. |
|
|
| All
respondents were asked, “If wind powered energy helps reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and that helps to reduce the threat of global
warming, should farmers, industry and public institutions promote wind
power as an alternative energy source?” A vast majority (85%) stated
farmers, industry, and public institutions should promote wind power as
an alternative energy source, while 10% stated that it should not be
promoted. |
|
|
| Seventy-six
percent of respondents stated they would invest in wind power generation
if it did not produce any harmful emissions and it helped clean the
environment. Seventeen percent of respondents stated they would not
invest in wind power generation. |
|
|
| A
vast majority (88%) of respondents stated they support wind energy
development. Eight percent stated they do not support the
development of wind energy. |
|
|
| Half
(50%) of respondents stated that wind energy can provide additional farm
income. Thirty-five percent of respondents stated that they do not think
that wind energy is able to provide additional farm income. |
|
|
| Almost
half (47%) of respondents stated they would be willing to invest in wind
power projects. Thirty-five percent of respondents stated they would not
be willing to invest in wind power. |
|
|
| Thirty
percent of respondents stated, “Lease a small portion of their farm to
a power generator for the placement of wind turbines” as a way to gain
financial rewards from wind power. Thirty-eight percent of
respondents stated, “Invest in a farmer-owned wind cooperative”, 16%
of respondents stated, “Purchase a small turbine for individual
use”. |
|
|
| Sixty-two
percent of respondents stated that the government should provide
financial incentives to farmers who want to become involved in the wind
industry. However, 31% stated that the government should not have
to provide financial incentives to farmers who want to be part of the
wind industry.
|
|
|
| Continue
to Analysis |
Return
to Table of Contents |