SIMULTANEOUS-EQUATION MODEL FOR ESTIMATING CONSUMER RISK PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES, AND WILLINGNESS-TO-PAY FOR RESIDUE-FREE PRODUCE

The study develops a theoretical model, which posits a simultaneous structure among three psychological and behavioral constructs, to analyze consumer risk perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. Results suggest that risk perceptions have a positive and significant effect on consumers' attitudes toward pesticide use, which in turn influence their risk perceptions and willingness-to-pay for residue-free fresh produce and vice versa. The linkage between risk perceptions and willingness-to-pay, however, is not empirically significant as expected. Results suggest that education programs which address the food safety issues need to target female, black, middle-aged, and less educated consumers.