Research Projects

This report relied upon field interviews, existing analytical data, and the development of a computable general equilibrium model to investigate the economic implications of policies limiting the ability of almond, rice, walnut, and wheat growers to burn their crop residues. Through this investigation it was determined that, in the face of a straw residue burning phase-down, the majority of rice and wheat growers would soil-incorporate their straw with minimal economic disruption. However, if such a practice results in significant yield reductions, noticeable individual and regional economic impacts would be engendered. Almond and walnut growers cannot soil-incorporate their residues without significant changes to production practices. Given the limited economically feasible methods of disposing of residues off-site, a prohibition on almond and walnut residue burning could create substantial economic and technical difficulties for these growers.