The public generally believes that insects, diseases, and other pests need to be controlled but also believes that there are effective alternatives to pesticides. Because about half of the public does not believe that these alternatives are costlier, much of the public perceives little or no benefits from pesticide use. There is evidence that the public is willing to pay more for tougher pesticide residue standards and their intensified enforcement. Whether public willingness to pay can offset the cost of eliminating agrichemical use is unknown. In some cases, it may not be possible to produce acceptable foods without agrichemical use.
Consumers differ greatly in terms of their willingness to purchase foods labeled pesticide free.
Consequently, one pesticide-residue standard is unlikely to please all consumers. Extensive research is needed before definitive conclusions about the potential success of labeling efforts can be made. New Animal Drugs Public reaction to new animal drugs depends on public awareness of their use in agriculture. Survey results suggest that thorough scrutiny by the broader scientific community is important to public confidence in claims about the safety of new animal drugs. Lower prices and decreased fat content, two benefits of animal drug use, also affect public reaction.