New synthetic or biological pest control? Winegrower R&D preferences in the context of invasive species infestation

Abstract The European Union has established ambitious targets to reduce pesticide usage, but many invasive pests pose significant threats to agricultural production. Managed biological pest control (e.g., predators, parasitoids, microbial agents) represents a promising lever for reducing synthetic pesticide usage. In this study, we investigate the preferences of farmers who are at risk of an invasive species infestation for further research and development (R&D) of biological and synthetic pesticides using a discrete choice experiment. Due to our R&D-based hypothetical scenario, a positive willingness to pay underscores strong preferences by capturing demand despite uncertainties associated with R&D processes. Our study context focuses on European grapevine farmers who have been infested or are at risk of infestation by the invasive Japanese beetle. We find that farmers’ preferences depend on their infestation status. While already affected farmers prefer R&D for a new biological product, unaffected respondents, who are aware of the beetle, tend to favor R&D for new synthetic pesticides. Overall, we find a significant positive willingness to pay for the development of a product with higher efficacy levels, reduced environmental harm, and lower application rates. As pesticide reduction targets will only be achieved if farmers are willing to change their crop protection practices, this study offers crucial insights into farmers’ perspectives of future synthetic and biological pest control products in an invasive species setting. It underscores the significance of specific product characteristics and demonstrates the importance of further investments in R&D for effective but environmentally friendly pest controls.