Economic, Social, and Environmental Effects

Assessing the Economic Impact (Deliberto)

To understand the economic effectiveness of smart agriculture practices, we are conducting comprehensive economic impact studies. A team led by Michael Deliberto and Adriana Dimas-Rodriguez at the LSU Agricultural Center is using a variety of economic tools to simulate farm profitability under different conditions and risks. This analysis includes the development of enterprise budgets for a representative rice farm that models the cost structure of various irrigation practices: conventional flood, furrow irrigation, and Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD).

Year 1 Activities:

  • Conducted an extensive literature review on global rice production incorporating smart agriculture practices and U.S. rice production systems in California and the Southern Region.
  • Developed enterprise budgets to compare irrigation strategies and their effects on profitability, including conventional flood, furrow irrigation, and AWD.
  • Incorporated USDA-reported rice prices and parish yields into models to simulate profitability for these irrigation methods, considering input price volatility such as fertilizer and diesel costs.
  • Estimated costs of alternative irrigation systems in Louisiana rice production (Table below):
Variety Irrigation Method Direct Cost per acre
Conventional Traditional Flood $679
Hybrid Traditional Flood $827
Hybrid Furrow Irrigation $834
Conventional Alternative Wetting & Drying $580
Hybrid Alternative Wetting & Drying $725


Year 2 Plans:

  • Conduct a detailed literature search on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with these irrigation practices.
  • Build a financial simulation model of alternative rice production practices to evaluate profitability and GHG emissions.
  • Present findings at international and national conferences, including the International Temperate Rice Conference (June 2024) and Rice Technical Working Groups (February 2025).

To further assess the sustainability of rice farming, we will use the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture (SAFA) framework. This holistic approach examines political, environmental, economic, and social dimensions, using interviews, observations, and scientific literature to evaluate the long-term viability of rice production under smart agriculture practices.

By using economic modeling tools like IMPLAN, we will also assess the economic consequences of weather changes on rice production at both the state and local levels, providing insights into the compensation needed for the adoption of smart agriculture practices and the broader impacts of U.S. agricultural policies.


Assessing Understanding and Perceptions of Growers Regarding Smart Agriculture (Schafer)

To better understand rice growers' perspectives on Smart Agriculture practices, we are conducting sociological impact studies to explore the factors influencing their adoption of sustainable farming methods. By interviewing key informants, such as landowners, government agencies, and agricultural associations, we aim to gain insight into current trends, challenges, and potential barriers to adopting smart agriculture varieties and practices. Additionally, we will survey rice farmers to gather more detailed information about their perceptions of new technologies and practices.

Year 1 Activities:

  • Conducted semi-structured interviews with key experts in rice farming and smart ag adoption, including faculty from LSU AgCenter, state specialists, and project directors in fields such as agricultural economics, entomology, and plant and soil sciences.
  • Attended key industry events, such as the LSU AgCenter Rice Field Day and Texas A&M AgriLife Rice Field Day, to conduct observations and engage in discussions with stakeholders.
  • Presented findings at the 2024 Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Annual Meeting, summarizing insights from key informants on the adoption of sustainable rice farming practices in the Southern United States.

Year 2 Plans:

  • Finalize the survey instrument for rice growers in the Southern U.S. to assess their perceptions of resilient rice varieties and smart agriculture practices.
  • Obtain IRB approval for the survey and hire PhD students to assist with survey administration.
  • Analyze survey data to produce descriptive statistics and insights into farmers' willingness to adopt new practices.
  • Continue professional development training for the graduate student involved in the project, including skills in data collection, analysis, and presentation at future conferences.

Through a combination of interviews, surveys, and event participation, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the social dynamics influencing smart agriculture adoption. This research will help identify strategies to support growers in transitioning to sustainable practices that align with long-term environmental and economic goals.

socioligal model CRISP.jpg thumbnail


Rice Growers’ Adoption of CSA

Relational – Is support available to help me implement CSA on my farm?

Economic – What are the risks, costs, and benefits of CSA?

Technical – Do I have the knowledge and skills to implement CSA effectively?

Grower Values and Perceptions – Is CSA consistent with my beliefs and with the grower I want to be?

Innovate . Educate . Improve Lives

The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

Top