2001 ACGA Corn Producers Survey
Wind Energy & Climate Change

 
ANALYSIS
All respondents were asked, “Given the debate over global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, which of the following descriptions best describes your views on the issue of global climate change?” Twenty-one percent of respondents when asked concerning the issues of global warming and greenhouse gases, stated that this is a real problem.  Fifty-two percent stated that these issues are overblown, 12% stated that it is a serious problem, and 11% stated it’s an imaginary problem.
Forty-three percent of respondents stated they do indeed take the threat of global climate change seriously. Over half (54%) of respondents stated that they do not take the threat of climate change seriously.
Thirty-two percent of respondents stated they think that their farm productivity is threatened by changing climate. While a majority (65%) of respondents do not think climate changes are threatening the productivity of their farm.
Over half (59%) of respondents stated they think that gasoline and diesel emissions contribute to greenhouse gas buildup.  There are still 28% of respondents who do not think that gasoline and diesel fuel emissions contribute to greenhouse gas buildup.
Fifty-six percent of respondents stated that greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced through no-till or nutrient management, while 22% stated that they could not.
All respondents were asked, “Various proposals suggest putting a per ton value on carbon that is sequestered (stored) in soil.  What price per ton of carbon would be necessary to get you involved in such a program?” Three percent of respondents stated that $5 per ton of carbon is enough to get them involved in a program.  Four percent stated $10 per ton of carbon to get them involved, 2% stated $15 per ton, 5% stated $20 per ton, 5% stated $25 per ton, 7% stated $30 per ton, and 3% stated greater than $30 per ton to get them involved in such a program. However, a majority (67%) of respondents stated they did not know of a price that is sufficient for their involvement in such a program.
All respondents were asked, “If wind powered energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that helps to reduce the threat of global warming, should farmers, industry and public institutions promote wind power as an alternative energy source?” A vast majority (85%) stated farmers, industry, and public institutions should promote wind power as an alternative energy source, while 10% stated that it should not be promoted.
Seventy-six percent of respondents stated they would invest in wind power generation if it did not produce any harmful emissions and it helped clean the environment. Seventeen percent of respondents stated they would not invest in wind power generation.
A vast majority (88%) of respondents stated they support wind energy development.  Eight percent stated they do not support the development of wind energy.
Half (50%) of respondents stated that wind energy can provide additional farm income. Thirty-five percent of respondents stated that they do not think that wind energy is able to provide additional farm income.
Almost half (47%) of respondents stated they would be willing to invest in wind power projects. Thirty-five percent of respondents stated they would not be willing to invest in wind power.
Thirty percent of respondents stated, “Lease a small portion of their farm to a power generator for the placement of wind turbines” as a way to gain financial rewards from wind power.  Thirty-eight percent of respondents stated, “Invest in a farmer-owned wind cooperative”, 16% of respondents stated, “Purchase a small turbine for individual use”.
Sixty-two percent of respondents stated that the government should provide financial incentives to farmers who want to become involved in the wind industry.  However, 31% stated that the government should not have to provide financial incentives to farmers who want to be part of the wind industry.
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