The following flowchart summarizes the USDA NRI study undertaken from 2002 to 2006.
Click the schematic for a non-technical research summary.
Pork production in the United States is expanding, especially in the Midwest. With expected economic benefits from expansion come potential environmental and social costs from odor. Scientific evidence suggests that shelterbelts - living tree barriers - can be cost-effective, biologically active buffers that reduce odor, and complement other odor control strategies used by producers.
Surveying both pork consumers and producers in three different states - Iowa, North Carolina and Washington State - we have examined attitudes regarding market-based incentives for odor control and identified producer/consumer values regarding odor management in general and odor management involving the use of shelterbelts. Results from consumer willingness to pay (WTP) surveys indicate strong consumer interest and WTP for "environmentally friendly" pork products.
The results of this research will support cooperative approaches to solving odor problems that include natural odor control strategies, and help to sustain two vitally important parts of agriculture - pork production and rural communities.
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