Date of Graduation

8-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

Advisor/Mentor

Thomsen, Michael R.

Committee Member

Hupkova, Daniela

Second Committee Member

Ahrendsen, Bruce L.

Keywords

Social sciences; Almost ideal demand system; Berry crops; Demand elasticities; Equilibrium displacement model

Abstract

This thesis contains a market analysis of fresh berries in United States. Specifically, it addresses strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry markets during 2008-2011. A double log model and the Almost Ideal Demand model are used to gain insight into the demand side of the market. An equilibrium displacement model is used to develop suggestions for producers and decision makers. The results demonstrate that retail demand for berry crops is elastic and that the different berries are substitutes for one another. The equilibrium displacement model is used to predict producer surplus changes to industry wide efforts aimed at both production efficiencies and promotion of berries to consumers. There are positive spillovers from one berry market to another in the case of promotion.

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