Non-predator vertebrate pest damage in California agriculture: An assessment of economic impacts in selected crops

Abstract

Statewide economic impacts of non-predator vertebrate pest damage were estimated for all pests causing damage in 19 California commodities. Average field-level damage estimates and vertebrate control costs were collected for each commodity, and across six production regions. Economic impacts were estimated by comparing simulated market outcomes in the absence of vertebrate pest damage with observed market outcomes. This analysis indicates that, for the 19 commodities considered, the economic cost of vertebrate pest damage ranged between $46.9 to $162.8 million during 1995 with a mean estimated impact of $95.9 million.