Values of ecosystem services on arable land and the role of organic farming

Abstract

Nationwide mail surveys implemented in November 2004 report New Zealand residents' willingness to pay for improvement in ecosystem services and support for organic farming on arable land. The surveys were split into two subsets: Canterbury, which is the region with most arable farming in the nation, and the other New Zealand regions. Analysis of the data reveals that Canterbury residents' willingness to pay for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from arable farming is greater than their willingness to pay for improvement in water quality, while it is the opposite for residents in other regions. In addition, residents' willingness to fund an organic farming project that enhances certain ecosystem services is analyzed. The results provide insights for management of arable lands to deliver selected ecosystem services in New Zealand.