Agricultural policy preferences for promoting low-carbon agricultural technologies in crop cultivation

Achieving the 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reduction target in Korea’s agricultural sector requires the widespread adoption of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation technologies. Beyond mere dissemination of technologies, policy design that incorporates farmer acceptance and preferences is essential for effective implementation. This study investigates how farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and perceptions of climate change influence their preferences for policies promoting the off-field utilization of rice straw and the reduction of nitrogen fertilizer use. An online survey of 180 rice farmers was conducted in November 2024, and a Multinomial Logit model was employed to estimate the determinants of policy choice. The analysis revealed that, for nitrogen fertilizer reduction, “education and promotion on proper fertilizer use” and “economic incentives” were the most preferred policies; for rice straw utilization, “economic incentives” and “technical training” were prioritized. Willingness to participate in the Carbon Neutrality Program exceeded 80%, depending on the payment level. Moreover, climate change perception, education level, income, region, and farming experience significantly influenced policy preferences. Regional differences were pronounced: farmers in the Chungcheong region preferred “securing sales channels for livestock farms” while those in the Yeongnam region favored “technical training” for rice straw utilization.<br/>These findings underscore the necessity of differentiated policy designs that combine economic and non-economic support measures, while strengthening farmers’ awareness, education, and promotional activities. The results provide practical insights for designing targeted GHG mitigation policies that align with diverse farmer needs and contribute to the effective achievement of national climate goals.