Could society's willingness to reduce pesticide use be aligned with farmers' economic self-interest?

In the context of approximately 50% reduction in pesticide treatment according to the agreement of the “Grenelle de l'environnement” in France, the main part of this study involves the assessment of intensification or extensification of pesticide use in crop activities. This is done with reference to its use per ha thereby helping to proffer a solution to the persistent questions of farmers with regard to the use of inputs in an intensified manner or otherwise. With respect to this, a sample of 600 farms in the Meuse department was observed over a 12-year period. The analysis is essentially to assess cost efficiency dominance between technologies using non-parametric cost-functions which involves different levels of pesticide use per ha. Our empirical application shows that less intensive processes in terms of pesticide level per ha are a better option not only for the society but also for the producers who could significantly reduce their costs in 80% of cases.

► We assess intensification or extensification of pesticide uses in French crop activities. ► With respect to this, a sample of 600 farms in the Meuse department was observed over a 12-year period. ► Non-parametric cost-functions involving different levels of pesticide uses per ha are compared. ► Our results show less pesticide use per ha is preferable for 80% of producers to reduce their costs. ► Therefore the interests of farmers and the policy makers could converge to a win-win strategy.