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Abstract

Contribution analyses performed using IMPLAN data and software are an increasingly popular method for illustrating the importance of agriculture to state and local economies. Over the past decade, at least 24 states have used IMPLAN to conduct contribution of agriculture analyses at some level. In many cases, methods for conducting these analyses are described, however most descriptions aren’t presented in sufficient detail to allow an effective comparison of procedures used between studies. To further analyze methodological variations between contribution of agriculture studies, an online survey was developed and distributed to agricultural economists across the country. Survey questions focused on respondents’ choices related to trade flow models, multipliers, model customization procedures, and agricultural sector selection. Results of the survey show that, although there are general similarities in methodologies between researchers, no two agricultural economics researchers appear to perform contribution of agriculture analyses the same way. These results suggest a need for the development of standard procedures for use in conducting contribution of agriculture analyses, as this would function to increase transparency and comparability between studies.

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