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Article
Effects and Value of Verifiable Information in a Controversial Market: Evidence from Lab Auctions of Genetically Modified Food
Economics Working Papers (2002–2016)
  • Matthew Rousu, Susquehanna University
  • Wallace Huffman, Iowa State University
  • Jason F. Shogren, University of Wyoming
  • Abebayehu Tegene, United States Department of Agriculture
Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
11-1-2006
Working Paper Number
WP #06041, November 2006
Abstract

Food products containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients have entered the market over the past decade. The biotech industry and environmental groups have disseminating conflicting private information about GM foods. This paper develops a unique methodology for valuing independent third-party information in such a setting and applies this method to consumers’ willingness to pay for food products that might be GM. Data are collected from real consumers in an auction market setting with randomized information and labeling treatments. The average value of third-party information per lab participant is small, but the public good value across U.S. consumers is shown to be quite large.

File Format
application/pdf
Length
51 pages
Citation Information
Matthew Rousu, Wallace Huffman, Jason F. Shogren and Abebayehu Tegene. "Effects and Value of Verifiable Information in a Controversial Market: Evidence from Lab Auctions of Genetically Modified Food" (2006)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/wallace-huffman/82/