축산물 등급 및 이력관리의 소비자 후생 효과

Effects of Livestock Products Grading and Traceability on Consumer Welfare

Consumers assess the quality of livestock products based on the indicated grading information and rely on traceability data to trust their safety. This study estimates consumers’ willingess to pay (WTP) for the livestock grading and traceability systems and welfare effects of consumers regarding the livestock grading and traceability systems operated by the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, which significantly contribute to enhancing the quality differentiation and safety credibility of livestock products in South Korea. Using the results of a nationwide survey of 1,000 consumers who completed a choice experiment in which they selected among no information about grade and traceability and four alternatives for Hanwoo beef and Handon pork at different prices. Results from random parameter logit models indicate that consumers have heterogeneous preferences for the grading and traceability systems between beef and pork and WTP estimates for grading system are much larger than for the traceability system. Under certain assumptions, we find that introduction and operating livestock products grading and traceability systems have been welfare enhancing for consumers.