Speaker: Prof. Richard J. Sexton, University of California Davis (AJAE Co-Editor(1998-2000))

Host: Prof. Huang Jikun, School of Advanced Sciences

Time: 9:00-10:30 am, December 15, 2022, GMT+8

Venue: Scan the QR code to register


Abstract:

Credence attributes are product characteristics that cannot be discerned directly by consumers either through search or experience and must be certified in a credible way. This presentation will assess the implications of the rapidly rising market shares for foods with credence attributes that involve claims regarding animal welfare, fairness of marketing arrangements, and environmental benefits, among others. Most credence attributes are associated with lower yields than conventional alternatives, resulting in higher food costs and uncertain environmental implications. Proliferation of credence-attribute goods adds to challenges we face as a global society in producing enough food to feed an expanding and wealthier world community at reasonable cost. Credence-attribute products appeal mainly to wealthier consumers, meaning policies to support their expansion are also regressive.

Biography:

Richard J. Sexton is a distinguished professor in the Agricultural & Resource Economics (ARE) Department at UC Davis. He served as chair of the ARE Department at Davis (1994-98 and 2011-16) and as co-editor of the American Journal of Agricultural Economics (1998-2000). Professor Sexton is a past president of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) and was designated as a Fellow of the AAEA in 2004. Sexton’s teaching and research program at Davis has focused upon issues in applied microeconomics, industrial organization, and agricultural product marketing.

Source: School of Advanced Sciences