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The looming demographic cliff, characterized by a projected decline in college student enrollment, can have important impacts for the agricultural and applied economics profession, academic departments, and universities more broadly across the US. This decline will not only affect the financial stability and sustainability of many agricultural economics departments but also the number of high‐skilled professionals available for the agricultural industry, government bodies, and academia. This article discusses the main factors leading to the demographic cliff, as well as potential strategies for curbing its negative impacts on the profession. In the face of this challenge, it is important to develop a thoughtful, proactive, and strategic approach, and to engage industry, government, and academic partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate consumer acceptance of gene‐edited orange juice, focusing on the influence of behavioral traits. Specifically, we conducted an online survey of US orange juice consumers, using a choice experiment to elicit consumers' preferences for gene editing (GE) versus gene modification (GM) in orange juice. We find that consumers require a significantly larger discount for GM than for GE, and this preference for GE is influenced by multiple behavioral traits. We used a latent cla4ss approach to further analyze choice behavior among consumer segments. Findings indicate significant heterogeneity in preferences across consumer segments, which can be explained by behavioral traits and individual‐specific characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns about the numerous health problems associated with unhealthy snacks prompted recommendations to steer individuals toward healthier eating habits. One such recommendation advises limiting unhealthy snacks and replacing them with more fruits and vegetables with significant health benefits. This study investigates US consumers' perceptions and preferences for healthy (vegetable-based) snacks/beverages. An online survey was designed to estimate consumer perception and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for vegetable-based crackers, spreads, and beverages. A sampling company sent the survey to its national consumer panels in 2020, resulting in a sample of 402 US consumers. Eligible participants were adults, primary grocery shoppers who consumed crackers, spreads, and beverages. Consumer WTP for healthy snacks/beverages, the dependent variable, was elicited using a payment card method. Independent variables include personality traits (Innovativeness and Extraversion) and the important factors affecting healthy snack purchases, health consciousness, and demographic variables. Results show that consumers' preferences for healthy snacking vary by product, even when the products have similar health benefits. Significant positive associations exist between WTP for healthy snacks/beverages and personality traits, health consciousness, and some demographics. This study provides critical insights to policymakers and informs marketing campaigns to promote healthy snacking in the US more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consistent appeals against mandatory checkoff programs stimulated a wave of research investigating voluntary contributions mechanisms (VCMs) as a potential alternative in the provision of generic advertising. Using a public goods experiment with heterogeneous income and marginal per capita returns (MPCR), we examine the interaction between high- and lowincome individuals in VCMs, an understanding of which can help enhance the performance of voluntary generic advertising programs. While free-riders were present among both income types, the majority of low-income individuals were keen on stimulating higher contributions through cooperation. Conversely, high-income individuals tended to decrease their contributions in the presence of the low-income type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of neuro-physiological data in models of consumer choice is gaining popularity. This article presents some of the benefits of using psycho-physiological data in analyzing consumer valuation and choice. Eye-tracking, facial expressions, and electroencephalography (EEG) data were used to construct three non-conventional choice models, namely, eye-tracking, emotion and brain model. The predictive performance of the non-conventional models was compared to a baseline model, which was based entirely on conventional data. While the emotion and brain models proved to be as good as conventional data in explaining and predicting consumer choice, the eye-tracking model generated superior predictions. Moreover, we document a significant increase in predictive power when biometric data from different sources were combined into a mixed model. Finally, we utilize a machine learning technique to sparse the data and enhance out-of-sample prediction, thus showcasing the compatibility of biometric data with well-established statistical and econometric methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs about spending of economic stimulus payments and changes in food purchasing during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Topics include measures taken to reduce disease transmission had significant costs as many American families; and challenging times faced by U.S. families led to the federal government intervening with financial assistance, which resulted in measurable changes in spending and purchasing behaviors.