Many researchers have noted that not only natural ecosystems but also landscapes actively modified by humans (engineered or designed ecosystems) can significantly impact the level of ecosystem goods and availability of services thereby impacting human and social welfare. In New Zealand, agricultural lands are the largest area of engineered ecosystems on the national landscape. Study of the welfare effects of ecosystem services delivered by agricultural land can provide important insights into the management of engineered or designed ecosystems. This paper uses the contingent valuation method (CVM) and choice modeling to estimate values of four key ecosystem services, climate regulation, water regulation, soil retention and scenic views, for New Zealand land used for arable farming.

Article published in 2009 in the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 7(4), 279-291.