Farmers' response to a filter strip program: Results from a contingent valuation survey

Filter strips are an important addition to farm conservation programs. Farmers' willingness to participate in a 10-year filter strip program were measured using contingent valuation survey methods. Data indicate that the yearly payment offered to participants, farmers' preferences, and opportunity costs make a difference in their decisions about participation. Farmers more likely will participate in a filter strip program if the rules allow haying or other economic uses of the enrolled cropland.